Tony Kelley is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. He was born on January 21, 1987, making him 38 years old as of 2025.
Kelley stands at 5’10” (177.8 cm) tall. He turned professional in 2012 and has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Tony Kelley’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tony Kelley |
| Nickname | PrimeTime |
| Born | January 21, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’10” (177.8 cm) |
| Weight Class | Bantamweight (135 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| @tonykelleymma |
Early Career
Tony Kelley’s journey in combat sports began with a background in Kyokushin karate, where he achieved a black belt.
His transition to MMA was inspired by a friend who encouraged him to try jiu-jitsu classes at age 19. This introduction to grappling sparked Kelley’s interest in pursuing a career in mixed martial arts.
He started training more seriously and soon found himself competing in amateur bouts, accumulating valuable experience before turning professional.
Professional Career
Kelley made his professional MMA debut on September 15, 2012, securing a victory against Sean Marsicane via TKO in the first round.
This win set the tone for his early career, as he continued to compete on the regional circuit, primarily in Louisiana and neighboring states.
Kelley’s skills and exciting fighting style caught the attention of larger promotions, leading to opportunities with organizations like Legacy Fighting Championship.
His big break came when he was signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2020. Kelley made his UFC debut on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252, facing Kai Kamaka III.
Although he lost this fight by unanimous decision, it was an impressive showing that earned him a Fight of the Night bonus. Kelley went on to compete in several more UFC bouts, showcasing his abilities at the highest level of the sport.
Tony Kelley’s Net Worth Details
Tony Kelley’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his fight purses, performance bonuses, and potential endorsement deals.
As a UFC fighter, Kelley’s earnings likely increased significantly compared to his time on the regional circuit.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 252 | Kai Kamaka III | Loss | $13,500 (including $3,500 fight week incentive pay) |
| UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen | Ali AlQaisi | Win | $23,500 (including $10,000 win bonus and $3,500 fight week incentive pay) |
| UFC 269 | Randy Costa | Win | $24,000 (including $12,000 win bonus) |
Career Records
Here’s a table showcasing Tony Kelley’s professional MMA record, including some of his notable opponents:
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Yanez | Loss | UFC on ESPN 37 | June 18, 2022 |
| Randy Costa | Win | UFC 269 | December 11, 2021 |
| Ali AlQaisi | Win | UFC Fight Night 179 | October 10, 2020 |
| Kai Kamaka III | Loss | UFC 252 | August 15, 2020 |
| Kevin Aguilar | Loss | Legacy FC 57 | July 1, 2016 |
FAQs
What is Tony Kelley’s fighting nickname?
Tony Kelley is known by the nickname “PrimeTime.”
When did Tony Kelley make his UFC debut?
Tony Kelley made his UFC debut on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252.
What is Tony Kelley’s professional MMA record?
Tony Kelley’s professional MMA record stands at 8 wins and 3 losses.
Has Tony Kelley won any performance bonuses in the UFC?
Yes, Tony Kelley won a Fight of the Night bonus in his UFC debut against Kai Kamaka III.
What weight class does Tony Kelley compete in?
Tony Kelley competes in the Bantamweight division (135 lbs).
Where does Tony Kelley train?
Tony Kelley primarily trains in Louisiana, though specific gym affiliations may have changed over time.
Has Tony Kelley competed in any other major MMA promotions besides the UFC?
Before the UFC, Tony Kelley competed in Legacy Fighting Championship, a well-known regional promotion.
What is Tony Kelley’s background in martial arts?
Tony Kelley has a background in Kyokushin karate and later transitioned to MMA, incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into his skill set.
How many of Tony Kelley’s wins have come by finish?
Six of Tony Kelley’s eight professional wins have come by finish (3 by knockout and 3 by submission).
What was Tony Kelley’s last fight in the UFC?
Tony Kelley’s last UFC fight was against Adrian Yanez on June 18, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 37.
