04/09/2026
Demetrious Johnson reveals he had to take a week off his full time job to prepare for his first title fight, and he only got paid 14 bags
Johnson fought for the 135-pound title on a basic contract, making a fraction of what modern champions make
Because a loss meant taking home only $14,000, Johnson kept working full-time shifts in construction and at a paper mill to support his family while fighting for the world's largest MMA promotion
That's dedication
