Tony “Primetime” Kelley is an American mixed martial artist known for his gritty fighting style and his time in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
While he gained attention for his skills inside the cage, he also made headlines for his outspoken personality and his high-profile relationship with fellow fighter Andrea Lee. Since his departure from the UFC, fans often wonder about his financial standing and current endeavors.
In this article, you will know Tony Kelley’s Net Worth in 2026, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Tony Kelley’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tony Kelley |
| Nickname | Primetime |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1987 |
| Age | 39 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | ~$350,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$150,000+ (Fight Purses) |
| Partner | Andrea “KGB” Lee |
| Instagram Profile | @tonykelleymma |
| Twitter Profile | @TonyKelleyMMA |
Early Career
Tony Kelley began his journey in mixed martial arts in Louisiana, cutting his teeth on the regional circuit. He turned professional in 2012 and quickly established himself as a well-rounded fighter with a penchant for finishing fights.
He competed in promotions like Legacy Fighting Championship (LFC) and World Fighting Federation (WFF), where he built an impressive record.
His early run was characterized by his aggressive submission game and striking durability. He secured notable wins over opponents like Levi Mowles and Chris Pham, showcasing his ability to handle pressure.
His only loss during this developmental period came against Kevin Aguilar in a split decision in 2016, a setback that only fueled his desire to reach the next level.
By 2019, his exciting style and consistent performances caught the eye of major scouts, setting the stage for his eventual call-up to the UFC.
Professional Career
Kelley made his UFC debut in August 2020 at UFC 252 against Kai Kamaka III. Although he lost the bout via unanimous decision, the fight was an absolute war that earned “Fight of the Night” honors, instantly putting him on the map.
He bounced back in October 2020 with a decisive unanimous decision victory over Ali AlQaisi, proving he belonged in the octagon.
His most memorable performance came at UFC 269 in December 2021, where he faced Randy Costa. Kelley weathered an early storm to secure a TKO victory with elbows in the second round, a win that highlighted his toughness and cardio.
However, his UFC tenure came to an abrupt end after a first-round knockout loss to Adrian Yanez in June 2022. Following this defeat and some controversy regarding comments made during a fight cornering assignment, the UFC chose not to renew his contract.
Since then, Kelley has focused on training and coaching, remaining a fixture in the MMA community through his gym and partner.
Tony Kelley’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Tony Kelley has an estimated net worth of $350,000. This figure reflects his earnings from his professional fighting career, fight bonuses, and his ongoing work as a coach and trainer.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Result | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yanez | UFC on ESPN 37 | Loss | ~$24,000 |
| Randy Costa | UFC 269 | Win | ~$28,000 (inc. win bonus) |
| Ali AlQaisi | UFC Fight Night 179 | Win | ~$23,500 |
| Kai Kamaka III | UFC 252 | Loss | ~$60,000 (inc. $50k FOTN Bonus) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2023–2026 | Coaching / Seminars | Active Income |
| 2022 | UFC Purses | ~$24,000 |
| 2021 | UFC Purses | ~$28,000 |
| 2020 | UFC Purses | ~$83,500 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record/Number |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 11 |
| Wins | 8 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Knockouts (Wins) | 3 |
| Submissions (Wins) | 3 |
| First Round Finishes | 3 |
FAQs
1. Why was Tony Kelley cut from the UFC?
Tony Kelley was removed from the UFC roster in 2022 following his knockout loss to Adrian Yanez. The decision was likely influenced by a combination of the loss and the backlash he received for controversial comments he made about Brazilian fighters while cornering Andrea Lee.
2. Who is Tony Kelley’s girlfriend?
His girlfriend is Andrea “KGB” Lee, a prominent fighter in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division. They have been together for several years and work closely as training partners.
3. What is Tony Kelley’s fight record?
He holds a professional MMA record of 8 wins and 3 losses. His last professional bout recorded was his loss to Adrian Yanez in June 2022.
4. Does Tony Kelley still fight?
Tony Kelley has not competed in a major professional bout since 2022. He focuses primarily on coaching and training other fighters, including his partner Andrea Lee.
5. How much money did Tony Kelley make in the UFC?
He earned an estimated $130,000 to $150,000 during his UFC stint. A significant portion of this came from a $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus in his debut against Kai Kamaka III.
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