Tonya Evinger stands as one of the grittiest pioneers in the history of women’s mixed martial arts.
Known for her relentless wrestling and refusal to back down from any challenge, she carved out a legacy that took her from regional circuits to the UFC title picture. Even years after her last professional bout, fans remain curious about the financial success of the “Triple Threat.”
In this article, you will know Tonya Evinger’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Tonya Evinger’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tonya Diane Evinger |
| Nickname | Triple Threat |
| Date of Birth | June 4, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Odessa, Missouri |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Reach | 70 inches |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (Estimated) |
| Total Career Earnings | ~$450,000 (Disclosed Pay) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @tonya_evinger |
| Twitter Profile | @tonyaevinger |
Early Career
Tonya Evinger built her combat sports foundation on the wrestling mats of Missouri. She attended Missouri Valley College, where she competed as a collegiate wrestler.
This background instilled a high level of grappling proficiency and physical toughness that would later define her fighting style.
Evinger did not have the luxury of a polished amateur system; she transitioned directly into the professional ranks in 2006, a time when opportunities for women in combat sports were scarce and pay was minimal.
Her early professional years saw her fighting in various promotions, including EliteXC and Raging Wolf. She faced some of the biggest names of that era right out of the gate, including bouts against legends like Gina Carano and Julie Kedzie.
Evinger developed a reputation as a “road warrior,” willing to fight anyone, anywhere. While her record during this period had ups and downs, these formative years forged the resilience that eventually led her to championship gold.
She also participated in season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2013, though she lost her exhibition bout to Raquel Pennington, a setback that only fueled her resurgence in Invicta FC.
Professional Career
The defining chapter of Evinger’s career took place in Invicta Fighting Championships. After joining the all-female promotion, Evinger went on an absolute tear. She utilized her superior wrestling and ground-and-pound to dismantle opponents.
In July 2015, she reached the summit of her career by defeating Irene Aldana via fourth-round TKO to win the vacant Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship. She defended this title multiple times, establishing herself as one of the best 135-pound fighters on the planet outside of the UFC.
Her dominance in Invicta eventually forced the UFC’s hand. In July 2017, Evinger stepped up on short notice to face the terrifying Cris Cyborg for the vacant UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship at UFC 214.
Despite being undersized and a massive underdog, Evinger showed incredible durability, surviving into the third round before being stopped. She fought two more times in the UFC against Aspen Ladd and Lina Lansberg.
Although she did not secure a UFC win before her career wound down in 2019, her legacy remains secured as a true fighter’s fighter who never turned down a scrap.
Tonya Evinger’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Tonya Evinger has an estimated net worth of $500,000. This figure reflects her accumulated earnings from a long career in combat sports, particularly her payday from the high-profile fight against Cris Cyborg, combined with her earnings as a long-reigning champion in Invicta FC.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Result | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lina Lansberg | UFC Fight Night 153 | Loss | $30,000 |
| Aspen Ladd | UFC 229 | Loss | $30,000 |
| Cris Cyborg | UFC 214 | Loss | $100,000 (+ $30k Bonus) |
| Yana Kunitskaya | Invicta FC 22 | Win | $15,000 (+ Win Bonus) |
| Colleen Schneider | Invicta FC 17 | Win | $12,000 (+ Win Bonus) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Primary Promotion | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | UFC | ~$30,000 |
| 2018 | UFC | ~$30,000 |
| 2017 | UFC | ~$130,000 |
| 2016 | Invicta FC | ~$40,000 |
| 2015 | Invicta FC | ~$35,000 |
Endorsements
During her active career, Evinger secured sponsorships typical for fighters of her era. Before the UFC’s exclusive Reebok (now Venum) deal, she relied on local businesses and MMA gear brands for income.
For her UFC debut against Cyborg, she received the standard UFC promotional compliance pay (Reebok pay) of $30,000, which was higher than usual due to it being a title fight. Since retiring, she does not maintain major active athletic endorsements.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record/Data |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 28 |
| Wins | 19 |
| Losses | 8 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Knockout Wins | 8 |
| Submission Wins | 7 |
| Decision Wins | 4 |
| Championships | Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion |
FAQs
1. Is Tonya Evinger still fighting?
No, Tonya Evinger is not fighting in 2026. She fought her last professional bout in June 2019 against Lina Lansberg. Since then, she has stepped away from professional competition.
2. Did Tonya Evinger ever win a UFC fight?
No, Tonya Evinger did not record a win in the UFC. She went 0-3 in the promotion, facing elite competition in Cris Cyborg, Aspen Ladd, and Lina Lansberg during the final stage of her career.
3. What belt did Tonya Evinger hold?
Tonya Evinger held the Invicta FC Bantamweight Championship. She won the vacant title in 2015 against Irene Aldana and successfully defended it against Colleen Schneider and Yana Kunitskaya.
4. What is Tonya Evinger’s fighting style?
Evinger is primarily known as a wrestler. She utilized her collegiate wrestling background to control opponents on the ground, employing heavy top pressure and aggressive ground-and-pound strikes to secure victories.
5. How much did Tonya Evinger make vs Cyborg?
For her UFC debut against Cris Cyborg at UFC 214, Evinger earned a disclosed purse of $100,000 purely for showing up to fight, plus an additional $30,000 in Reebok sponsorship pay.
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