James Te Huna is a name that resonates deeply with Australian and New Zealand MMA fans. As the first New Zealander to compete in the UFC, he paved the way for future stars like Mark Hunt and Israel Adesanya.
Known for his heavy hands and granite chin, the light heavyweight brawler left an indelible mark on the sport.
In this article, you will know James Te Huna’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
James Te Huna’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Te Huna |
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| Education | Local Education in Darfield/Alexandra, NZ |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (Middleweight) / 205 lbs (LHW) |
| Turned Pro | 2003 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $400,000 – $600,000 |
| Career Earnings | Est. $500,000+ (UFC Purses) |
| Wife | Private (Married with children) |
| Instagram Profile | @jamestehuna |
| Twitter Profile | @JamesTeHuna |
Early Career
James Te Huna was born in Darfield, New Zealand, into a family with strong Māori roots. He moved with his family to Moa Creek and later Alexandra in 1994, where he spent his formative years.
Growing up, he wasn’t naturally athletic; he described himself as a “skinny kid with two left feet” who often lost races to his classmates.
Determined to change this, he took up boxing after finishing school, which ignited his passion for combat sports. He transitioned to MMA in 2003, cutting his teeth on the rugged local circuit in Australia and New Zealand.
His aggressive style quickly earned him a reputation, and he captured the CFC Light Heavyweight Championship, a title he successfully defended multiple times before catching the eye of the UFC.
Professional Career
James Te Huna made history in February 2010 at UFC 110, becoming the first New Zealander to step into the Octagon. He made an immediate impact with a TKO victory over Igor Pokrajac.
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Over the next few years, he established himself as a fan favorite, known for exciting fights and knockout power.
His most successful run came between 2011 and 2013 when he strung together a four-fight win streak, defeating notable opponents like Ryan Jimmo and Joey Beltran.
This run culminated in a high-profile bout against Glover Teixeira at UFC 160. Although he lost that fight via submission, he proved he could compete with the division’s elite.
After a string of injuries and tough losses, including being the first man to be knocked out by a spinning hook kick in the UFC (vs. Shogun Rua), Te Huna retired from professional competition in 2016.
In his post-fight career, Te Huna has dedicated himself to coaching and community work. He founded New Wave Engage, an organization that supports vulnerable teenagers through combat sports training, passing on the discipline that shaped his own life.
James Te Huna’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, James Te Huna has an estimated net worth of approximately $400,000 to $600,000. While he earned significant purses during his UFC tenure, much of his wealth today comes from his coaching business and community programs.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Result | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glover Teixeira | UFC 160 | Loss | ~$24,000 (Show) |
| Ryan Jimmo | UFC on Fuel TV 7 | Win | ~$60,000 (Show + Win) |
| Joey Beltran | UFC on Fuel TV 4 | Win | ~$40,000+ (Fight of the Night Bonus) |
| Alexander Gustafsson | UFC 127 | Loss | ~$10,000 |
| Nate Marquardt | UFC Fight Night 43 | Loss | ~$20,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Organization | Estimated Income |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | UFC | ~$30,000 |
| 2011 | UFC | ~$20,000 |
| 2012 | UFC | ~$100,000+ (Bonuses) |
| 2013 | UFC | ~$80,000+ |
| 2014-2016 | UFC | ~$60,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 16 Wins – 9 Losses |
| Knockouts | 10 |
| Submissions | 3 |
| Decisions | 3 |
| UFC Record | 5 Wins – 5 Losses |
| Stance | Orthodox |
FAQs
1. Was James Te Huna the first New Zealander in the UFC?
Yes, James Te Huna holds the distinction of being the first New Zealand-born fighter to compete in the UFC. He made his debut at UFC 110 in Sydney in February 2010.
2. What is James Te Huna doing now?
He is actively involved in coaching and mentorship. He runs New Wave Engage, a program designed to help vulnerable youth build confidence and discipline through martial arts training.
3. Did James Te Huna fight Glover Teixeira?
Yes, he fought the future Light Heavyweight Champion Glover Teixeira at UFC 160 in 2013. He lost the fight via submission (guillotine choke) in the first round.
4. What is James Te Huna’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $400,000 and $600,000. This is accumulated from his seven-year UFC career and his subsequent work as a coach and community leader.
5. How many knockouts does James Te Huna have?
He has 10 knockout victories in his professional career. His heavy hands were his trademark, earning him a reputation as a dangerous striker in the light heavyweight division.
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