Brendan Schaub is one of those rare individuals who have successfully transitioned from one career to another with remarkable success. Best known for his time as a professional mixed martial artist (MMA) and UFC fighter, Schaub has since reinvented himself as a stand-up comedian, podcast host, and entrepreneur. Through his diverse endeavors, Schaub has managed to carve out a significant presence in the entertainment world, building a personal brand that transcends the typical career trajectory of a retired athlete.
In this article, we will delve into Brendan Schaub’s rise to fame, his various business ventures, and how his multiple streams of income have contributed to his impressive net worth. From his early days in the world of sports to his current status as a prominent figure in the comedy and podcasting world, we’ll explore the key factors that have led to Schaub’s financial success.
Early Life and Athletic Career
Born on March 18, 1983, in Aurora, Colorado, Brendan Schaub displayed a passion for sports from a young age. He attended Overland High School, where he excelled in football and other athletic activities. His talent on the football field eventually earned him a scholarship to play at Whittier College in California, and later, he transferred to the University of Colorado, where he continued to play football.
Despite his initial focus on football, Schaub always had an interest in combat sports. After college, Schaub pursued a career in professional football, briefly playing for the Arena Football League’s Utah Blaze and even signing with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. However, his football career was short-lived, and Schaub ultimately shifted his focus to martial arts.
Schaub’s transition to MMA came in 2007 when he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing. His athleticism and determination quickly paid off, and he started competing in local MMA events. Schaub’s success in these early fights caught the attention of larger promotions, leading him to the doorstep of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he would make a name for himself on a global stage.
Brendan Schaub’s MMA Career
Brendan Schaub’s entry into the UFC came via The Ultimate Fighter, a reality TV show that serves as a proving ground for up-and-coming fighters. Schaub competed in the 10th season of the show in 2009, making it to the final fight, where he faced Roy Nelson. Though Schaub ultimately lost the finale to Nelson, his performance earned him a contract with the UFC, and he quickly became a notable figure in the heavyweight division.
Schaub’s UFC career spanned from 2009 to 2014, during which he fought some of the top names in the sport, including Gabriel Gonzaga, Mirko Cro Cop, and Andrei Arlovski. He earned notable victories and developed a reputation for his striking abilities, particularly his heavy hands and knockout power. However, after a string of losses and mounting concerns about the toll fighting was taking on his body, Schaub decided to retire from professional MMA in 2015.
During his MMA career, Schaub earned a respectable income, particularly through fight purses, sponsorships, and performance bonuses. While MMA fighters generally do not make the kind of money associated with other professional athletes, Schaub’s time in the UFC contributed significantly to his early financial foundation.
Transition to Comedy and Podcasting
One of the most remarkable aspects of Brendan Schaub’s career is his successful transition from professional athlete to comedian and media personality. After retiring from MMA, Schaub took a leap into the world of stand-up comedy—a move that initially raised eyebrows among fans and fellow fighters. However, Schaub’s sense of humor had been evident for years, particularly during his podcasting career, which began while he was still fighting.
In 2013, Schaub and fellow UFC fighter Bryan Callen launched The Fighter and the Kid, a podcast that combined MMA talk with comedy, current events, and guest interviews. The podcast quickly gained a loyal following, largely due to the chemistry between Schaub and Callen, as well as their unique blend of humor and insight into the world of MMA. The Fighter and the Kid became one of the most popular sports and comedy podcasts on platforms like iTunes and YouTube, and it helped establish Schaub as a comedic personality in his own right.
Building on the success of the podcast, Schaub began performing stand-up comedy, honing his skills in small venues before eventually embarking on larger tours. His comedy style, much like his podcasting, is a mix of observational humor, personal anecdotes, and witty commentary on pop culture and sports. Though he initially faced criticism from some corners of the comedy world, Schaub’s persistence and work ethic paid off. He released his first stand-up comedy special, You’d Be Surprised, on Showtime in 2019, marking another milestone in his entertainment career.
Podcast Empire: Diversification and Growth
While stand-up comedy has been a significant part of Schaub’s post-MMA career, his real financial success has come from his ventures in podcasting and digital media. Following the success of The Fighter and the Kid, Schaub expanded his podcasting portfolio by launching several other shows, each catering to different audiences and topics.
One of his most popular spin-offs is Below the Belt, a podcast focused on combat sports, particularly MMA and boxing. Schaub uses this platform to analyze fights, interview fighters, and discuss the latest news in the world of combat sports. The show has a dedicated fan base and is a go-to source for fight fans looking for insightful commentary from a former professional fighter.
In addition to Below the Belt, Schaub also co-hosts The King and the Sting alongside comedian Theo Von. This podcast blends comedy with listener interaction, and it has become another hit in Schaub’s growing podcast empire. The success of these shows has not only increased Schaub’s visibility but has also contributed significantly to his net worth, thanks to sponsorships, ad revenue, and merchandise sales.
Podcasting, in particular, has proven to be a lucrative venture for Schaub. Unlike traditional media, podcasts offer creators the ability to directly connect with their audience and monetize through various channels. Schaub’s ability to diversify his content while staying true to his comedic roots has made him one of the most successful podcasters in the entertainment industry.
Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond comedy and podcasting, Brendan Schaub has expanded his financial portfolio through various business ventures and investments. Like many successful entertainers, Schaub recognized early on the importance of diversifying his income streams to create long-term financial stability.
One of Schaub’s notable ventures is his foray into the world of fashion. He launched a clothing line called Thiccc Boy, which caters to fans of his podcasts and personal brand. The brand’s humorous take on fitness and masculinity has resonated with Schaub’s fanbase, and it has become a popular lifestyle brand, with merchandise ranging from apparel to accessories.
In addition to his own business ventures, Schaub has made several smart investments in tech startups and entertainment ventures. While details of his investment portfolio are largely private, Schaub has spoken in interviews about his interest in investing in companies that align with his personal interests, such as fitness, sports, and digital media.
Brendan Schaub’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Brendan Schaub’s net worth is estimated to be around $4-5 million. This impressive figure is the result of his various career endeavors, including his MMA earnings, stand-up comedy, podcasting empire, and business ventures. While his UFC career provided a strong financial foundation, it is Schaub’s post-MMA success that has significantly boosted his net worth.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors contributing to Brendan Schaub’s net worth:
- MMA Earnings: Schaub’s time in the UFC, combined with fight purses, sponsorships, and performance bonuses, provided him with a solid income during his fighting career. While MMA fighters generally do not earn as much as athletes in other major sports, Schaub’s status as a heavyweight contender and his involvement in The Ultimate Fighter helped him secure several lucrative opportunities.
- Podcasting: Schaub’s podcasting empire is arguably the most significant contributor to his current wealth. With multiple successful podcasts—each generating ad revenue, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales—Schaub has created a steady and diversified stream of income. His shows, particularly The Fighter and the Kid and Below the Belt, have become staples in the podcasting world, with large and dedicated audiences.
- Stand-Up Comedy: Schaub’s transition to stand-up comedy has not only expanded his career but has also added another stream of income. His stand-up tours, coupled with his Showtime special, have helped establish him as a comedian with a growing fanbase. While stand-up may not be as lucrative as podcasting, it remains an important aspect of Schaub’s overall brand.
- Business Ventures: Schaub’s Thiccc Boy clothing line and other entrepreneurial ventures have added to his wealth, particularly as the brand has grown in popularity among his fans. Schaub’s business ventures reflect his ability to monetize his personal brand across different industries.
- Investments: Although the specifics of Schaub’s investment portfolio remain private, his involvement in tech startups and entertainment-related ventures has likely contributed to his growing wealth. Schaub has expressed a keen interest in using his financial success to invest in companies that align with his personal values and interests.
Challenges and Controversies
Like many public figures, Brendan Schaub’s career has not been without its challenges and controversies. His transition from MMA fighter to comedian and media personality has been met with skepticism from some critics, particularly in the comedy world, where he initially faced pushback for his perceived lack of experience. However, Schaub’s determination to improve and prove himself in the comedy space has gradually won over fans and critics alike.
In addition, Schaub’s outspoken personality has occasionally led to public disagreements with other entertainers and figures in the MMA community. These disputes, while often blown out of proportion by the media, have not had a lasting negative impact on Schaub’s career.
Conclusion
Brendan Schaub’s journey from professional MMA fighter to successful comedian, podcaster, and entrepreneur is a testament to his versatility, work ethic, and ability to adapt to new challenges. While his UFC career may have introduced him to the public, it is his post-MMA ventures that have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment world.
With an estimated net worth of $4-5 million, Schaub’s diverse career highlights the importance of pursuing multiple income streams and embracing new opportunities. From podcasting and stand-up comedy to business ventures and investments, Schaub has proven that it’s possible to build a successful second career after sports—and he shows no signs of slowing down.
As he continues to grow his podcasting empire, perform stand-up comedy, and explore new business opportunities, Brendan Schaub’s net worth is likely to increase in the coming years. His story serves as an inspiration to athletes and entertainers alike, demonstrating the power of reinvention and the potential for success in multiple fields.
