Net Worth Ranker
What Is Brendan Schaub’s Net Worth?
Brendan Schaub, the multifaceted American personality, has cultivated a net worth of approximately $4 million. This financial standing is a result of his diverse career, spanning from professional sports to the entertainment industry. His journey began in athletics, transitioning from football to mixed martial arts, and eventually branching out into stand-up comedy and podcasting. Schaub’s financial success is attributed to his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to capitalize on opportunities in various fields.
Early Life and Football Career
Born on March 18, 1983, in Aurora, Colorado, Brendan Peter Schaub’s early life was shaped by a blend of athletic pursuits and family influence. His mother, Debra, is English, while his father, Peter Schaub, holds a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. Schaub attended Overland High School, where he distinguished himself in lacrosse, earning two varsity letters, and football, with one letter. Despite not receiving athletic scholarships, he pursued both sports at Whittier College before transferring to the University of Colorado to focus solely on football. In 2006, Schaub entered the NFL Draft but went undrafted. The Buffalo Bills signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent, placing him on their practice squad for a short period. Subsequently, he joined the Arena Football League’s Utah Blaze but was released without making the final roster. He was briefly brought back in 2007 before being waived again just two days later, leading to his retirement from the sport that year.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Following his retirement from football in 2007, Brendan Schaub embarked on a new career path in mixed martial arts (MMA). He returned to Colorado and immersed himself in training, focusing on boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After six months of intensive training, Schaub entered an amateur boxing competition, where he secured the Colorado novice-division Golden Gloves heavyweight title. This early success motivated him to pursue MMA. Schaub’s transition to MMA was further solidified through his association with UFC heavyweight contender Shane Carwin, who became his friend and training partner. In 2008, Schaub made his professional MMA debut against Jay Lester, initiating his career with a four-fight winning streak. During this period, he captured the Ring of Fire heavyweight title by defeating Bojan Spalevic, showcasing his potential in the sport.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Career
Schaub’s success in the regional MMA scene led to a significant opportunity when he signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to compete on “The Ultimate Fighter.” In his first fight on the show, he secured a first-round victory against Demico Rogers via submission, making a strong impression. He advanced to the heavyweight finale, marking his official UFC debut, where he faced Roy Nelson but suffered a knockout loss. Despite the defeat, Schaub continued to compete in the UFC, experiencing both victories and setbacks. A notable highlight of his UFC career occurred in March 2011 when he earned the Knockout of the Night award for his win against Mirko Filipovic, demonstrating his striking power and finishing ability. However, his final fight in December 2014 resulted in a loss to Travis Browne, concluding his MMA career with an overall record of 10 wins and 5 losses. While specific fight purses for each event are not publicly available, UFC fighters typically earn a base pay per fight, with additional bonuses for winning, performance of the night, and other achievements. Schaub’s earnings during his UFC tenure would have included these components, contributing to his overall net worth.
Entertainment Career: Podcasting and Comedy
Brendan Schaub’s transition into the entertainment industry marked a pivotal shift in his career trajectory, leveraging his personality and experiences to create a new avenue for income and recognition. On October 10, 2015, Schaub announced his retirement from MMA on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, a platform that would become instrumental in his post-fighting career. He became a regular guest on the show, gaining exposure to a wider audience and establishing his presence in the podcasting world. Shortly after retiring, Schaub co-created “The Fighter and the Kid” podcast with Bryan Callen. This venture allowed him to delve into discussions about MMA, comedy, and current events, attracting a dedicated listenership. Schaub then launched his solo podcast, “Big Brown Breakdown,” which provided a platform for him to share his unique perspectives on various topics. In 2018, Schaub partnered with Showtime to rebrand “Big Brown Breakdown” as “Below the Belt with Brendan Schaub,” further expanding his reach and professionalizing his podcasting efforts. Additionally, Schaub collaborated with Theo Von to create “King and the Sting,” another successful podcast that showcased their comedic chemistry. Revenue from these podcasts is generated through advertising deals, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. While the specific financial details of these ventures are not publicly disclosed, successful podcasts can generate substantial income for their creators. Schaub’s move into stand-up comedy further diversified his entertainment portfolio. He has performed at various comedy clubs and venues across the country, honing his comedic skills and building a following. In addition to his podcasting and comedy work, Schaub has made appearances in television and film. He co-hosted the after-shows for major award ceremonies, including the “Golden Globes,” “Academy Awards,” “Emmy Awards,” “People’s Choice Awards,” and “Grammy Awards,” expanding his visibility in the entertainment industry. Schaub also secured roles in the 2016 movie “Range 15” and David Ayer’s “The Tax Collector” in 2020, adding acting credits to his resume. These entertainment ventures have contributed to his overall net worth through performance fees, royalties, and other forms of compensation.
Personal Life and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brendan Schaub’s personal life includes his relationship with Joanna Zanella, with whom he has two sons. He was previously in a relationship with Ronda Rousey. In 2021, after 14 years of training, Schaub achieved a significant milestone in his martial arts journey by being promoted to black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, highlighting his dedication and skill in the discipline.
