Zak Ottow is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2011, Ottow has also fought for King of the Cage and other regional promotions.
You can follow Zak Ottowk’s biography, career details, relationship status, net worth, contract, fight purses, career earnings, fight records, stats, achievements, and more here.
Zak Ottow’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Zachary Ottow |
| Nickname | The Barbarian |
| Birth Date | December 22, 1986 |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Birthplace | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
| Turned Professional | 2011 |
| Current Net Worth | $2 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @zakottow |
Zak Ottow was born on December 22, 1986, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up with an older biological brother and two older stepbrothers.
Ottow attended Wisconsin Lutheran High School, where he excelled in wrestling and football, becoming an All-State select in the latter.
Early Career
Ottow’s athletic prowess continued into his college years, first at the Air Force Academy in Colorado for two years before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a degree in kinesiology.
After completing his college football career, Ottow began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and later added kickboxing to his skill set.
Professional Career
Zak Ottow’s professional mixed martial arts career began in 2011, spanning over a decade until his last recorded fight in 2022.
He initially competed in various regional promotions in the Upper Midwest, including King of the Cage, North American Fighting Championship, and Legacy Fighting Championship.
He made his UFC debut on short notice in October 2016, defeating Josh Burkman via split decision.
During his UFC tenure from 2016 to 2019, Ottow compiled a record of 4-4, facing notable opponents such as Sérgio Moraes, Li Jingliang, Mike Pyle, and Sage Northcutt.
After his UFC stint, Ottow continued to compete in regional promotions. His last professional MMA match was on April 2, 2022, at XMMA 4, where he lost to Kyle Stewart by unanimous decision.
Zak Ottow’s Net Worth Details
Zak Ottow’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025. This figure is based on his earnings from his professional MMA career, including fight purses, bonuses, and potential endorsements.
Contract
Zak Ottow initially signed with the UFC in 2016. In November 2017, as he approached his fight with Li Jingliang, Ottow mentioned that it was the last fight on his current contract.
After the Li Jingliang fight, Ottow indeed signed a new four-fight contract with the UFC. This second contract ran its course, with his final UFC fight taking place on March 9, 2019, against Alex Morono.
Following this fight, Ottow became a free agent as the UFC opted not to renew his contract.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| UFC Fight Night 146 | Alex Morono | $40,000 |
| UFC on Fox 31 | Dwight Grant | $20,000 (including $10,000 win bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night 96 | Josh Burkman | $24,000 (including $12,000 win bonus) |
Career Earnings
Zak Ottow’s career earnings primarily come from his time in the UFC and various regional promotions. During his UFC tenure from 2016 to 2019, Ottow had eight fights, with a record of 4-4 in the promotion.
His reported payouts for two of these fights are known: he earned $24,000 (including a $12,000 win bonus) for his UFC debut against Josh Burkman in 2016, and $20,000 (including a $10,000 win bonus) for his fight against Dwight Grant in 2018.
Zak Ottow’s total career earnings from fight purses, win bonuses, and sponsorships could be in the range of $200,000 to $500,000.
Fight Records
| Total Fights | Wins | Losses | Wins by KO/TKO | Wins by Submission | Wins by Decision |
| 28 | 20 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 5 |
Achievements
- Competed in the UFC from 2016 to 2019
- Defeated veteran fighter Mike Pyle by TKO in Pyle’s retirement fight
- Amassed a professional record of 20-8
- Earned 12 submission victories throughout his career
FAQs
1. Who is Zak Ottow?
Zak Ottow, nicknamed “The Barbarian,” is an American mixed martial artist born on December 22, 1986, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and has competed professionally since 2011. Ottow has fought in organizations such as the UFC and King of the Cage, primarily in the welterweight division.
2. What is Zak Ottow’s MMA record?
Zak Ottow has a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 8 losses. His victories include 3 by knockout, 12 by submission, and 5 by decision. He has an impressive 75% finish rate in his fights.
3. What fighting styles does Zak Ottow use?
Zak Ottow employs a mix of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, taekwondo, and wrestling in his fights. He holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and an orange belt in taekwondo, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.
4. What is Zak Ottow’s educational background?
Zak Ottow earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He also attended the United States Air Force Academy for two years before pursuing a career in mixed martial arts.
5. What notable achievements does Zak Ottow have in the UFC?
Zak Ottow made his UFC debut on October 1, 2016, defeating Josh Burkman via split decision. He also secured wins against Mike Pyle and Dwight Grant during his UFC tenure but eventually became a free agent after his contract ended.
6. Why did Zak Ottow choose MMA over other careers?
Before MMA, Zak Ottow worked as an assistant to stockbrokers but found the high-stress lifestyle unappealing. He decided to pursue MMA full-time due to his passion for the sport and belief that it offered more fulfillment despite its challenges.
7. What is Zak Ottow’s training team?
Zak Ottow trains with Pura Vida BJJ & MMA, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This team has been instrumental in developing his skills across various martial arts disciplines.
8. What are Zak Ottow’s physical stats?
Zak Ottow stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds (77 kg). His reach is 72 inches (183 cm), which he uses effectively in both striking and grappling exchanges.
9. What is Zak Ottow’s nickname and why?
Zak Ottow is known as “The Barbarian.” The nickname reflects his aggressive fighting style and ability to adapt to various challenges inside the cage.
10. What was Zak Ottow’s most recent fight?
Zak Ottow last fought Kyle Stewart on April 2, 2022, at XMMA 4: Black Magic. He lost the fight via unanimous decision after three rounds in the middleweight division.
