Yaotzin Meza is a name that resonates with fans who followed the UFC’s lighter weight classes during the mid-2010s. Known for his toughness and well-rounded skills, Meza transitioned from a gritty regional fighter to a UFC competitor and later, a respected coach.
In this article, you will know Yaotzin Meza’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Yaotzin Meza’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yaotzin Meza |
| Date of Birth | February 4, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| Education | High School (Arizona) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 145 lbs (66 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | ~$1 Million (Estimate) |
| Career Earnings | ~$120,000+ (Disclosed UFC Pay) |
| Wife | Carolyn Meza |
| Instagram Profile | @yaotzinmeza (Private/Inactive) |
| Twitter Profile | @YaddiMMA |
Early Career
Yaotzin Meza was born and raised in the United States, where he developed a passion for wrestling and combat sports from a young age. He began his professional MMA journey in 2006, cutting his teeth on the regional circuit in Arizona.
Meza quickly built a reputation as a durable and dangerous fighter, racking up an impressive record in promotions like Rage in the Cage (RITC).
Before joining the big leagues, Meza amassed a record of 18-7. His early career was defined by his activity; he often fought multiple times a year, honing his skills against tough local competition.
This grind prepared him for the opportunity of a lifetime when the UFC came calling in 2012, needing a short-notice replacement.
Professional Career
Meza made his UFC debut on December 15, 2012, at UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson, stepping in on short notice to fight Chad Mendes, one of the top featherweights in the world.
Although he lost via knockout in the first round, his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, earned him respect and a continued spot on the roster.
Over his four-year UFC tenure, Meza showcased his versatility. He secured notable victories against John Albert via submission and Damian Stasiak via unanimous decision. While he faced setbacks against tough opponents like Sergio Pettis and Sam Sicilia, Meza remained a competitive force in the division.
He fought his last professional bout in September 2018 for Combate Americas, defeating Gilberto Aguilar via first-round submission before announcing his retirement from active competition.
Since retiring, he has transitioned into a full-time coaching role at The MMA Lab, mentoring the next generation of fighters alongside head coach John Crouch.
Wife
Yaotzin Meza is a dedicated family man. He is married to Carolyn Meza. The couple has built a life together in Arizona, supporting each other through the ups and downs of a professional fighting career.
They have three children together: a daughter named Emilie and two sons named Clay and another son whose name has been mentioned in passing as part of their tight-knit family unit.
Meza has often credited his family as his primary motivation for fighting and coaching, striving to provide a stable future for them.
Yaotzin Meza’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Yaotzin Meza’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This wealth is a culmination of his fight purses from his decade-long career, his coaching salary at The MMA Lab, and various regional sponsorships.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse (Show + Win + Bonus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 71 | Sam Sicilia | Loss | $16,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 64 | Damian Stasiak | Win | ~$24,000 (Est. with win bonus) |
| UFC on Fox 8 | John Albert | Win | $20,000 ($10k Show + $10k Win) |
| UFC on FX 6 | Chad Mendes | Loss | ~$8,000 (Est. Show money) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | ~$40,000 | 1 Win, 1 Loss in UFC |
| 2014 | ~$14,000 | 1 Loss in UFC |
| 2013 | ~$30,000 | 1 Win, 1 Loss in UFC |
| 2012 | ~$15,000 | UFC Debut + Regional Fights |
| Total | ~$120,000+ | Disclosed UFC Pay Only |
Endorsements
During his UFC career, Meza benefited from the UFC’s sponsorship era before the Reebok deal, allowing him to wear various brand logos on his fight shorts.
After the Reebok deal (now Venum) was implemented, he received tiered payouts based on his tenure, typically earning $2,500 to $5,000 per fight in sponsorship pay.
Post-retirement, his “endorsements” come in the form of private coaching and seminars, where his status as a UFC veteran commands a premium rate.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 22-11-0 (1 NC) |
| UFC Record | 2-4 |
| Knockout Wins | 5 |
| Submission Wins | 8 |
| Decision Wins | 9 |
| Significant Strikes Landed | 1.43 per min |
| Takedown Average | 0.88 per 15 min |
FAQs
1. Who is Yaotzin Meza’s wife?
Yaotzin Meza is married to Carolyn Meza. They have been together for many years and have three children together.
2. Is Yaotzin Meza still fighting?
No, Yaotzin Meza retired from professional MMA in September 2018 after his win at Combate 24. He is now a full-time coach.
3. What is Yaotzin Meza’s net worth?
Yaotzin Meza’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1 million, largely accumulated from his fighting career and coaching role.
4. Where does Yaotzin Meza coach?
Yaotzin Meza is a coach at The MMA Lab in Glendale, Arizona. He works alongside head coach John Crouch, training UFC fighters and up-and-coming prospects.
5. What was Yaotzin Meza’s UFC record?
Yaotzin Meza had a UFC record of 2 wins and 4 losses. He secured victories over John Albert and Damian Stasiak during his tenure.
