In a recent interview on The Grapplers Perspective Podcast, Pat Downey shed light on the stark financial contrast between professional grappling and amateur wrestling. He emphasized that unless an athlete is among the elite 1% who make a national wrestling team, financial opportunities remain limited, making professional grappling a far more attractive career path.
Appearance Fees vs. Pay-to-Compete Model
One of the most striking disparities Downey highlighted is the fundamental difference in financial incentives. In professional grappling, organizations like Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) offer substantial appearance fees, with Downey himself earning $10,000 just to show up. This stands in direct contrast to amateur wrestling, where many athletes actually have to pay to compete in tournaments.
For the few elite wrestlers who qualify for world teams, benefits such as monthly stipends, sponsorships, insurance, and international travel are available. However, Downey argues that for the vast majority, financial rewards in amateur wrestling are virtually nonexistent.
A More Marketable and Spectator-Friendly Sport
Beyond personal earnings, Downey also points out that professional grappling events are structured more like entertainment spectacles, incorporating elements such as ticket sales, production value, and even promotional aspects like ring girls and refreshments. This makes grappling a more commercially viable product compared to the traditionally rigid and competition-focused amateur wrestling circuit.
“Keep moaning, because we’re just getting started. This is like the tip of the iceberg. We’re just starting this infiltration. The takeover has merely just begun. F- better learn how to wrestle, huh?”
Starting as a White Belt
“For me, at least, it became imperative to learn Jiu-Jitsu in order to consider myself a complete grappler. Right now, once I master my top system and my positioning—I’m very close—I’m going to start developing a guard. Nobody’s going to take me down. I’ll just sit down and f- pull guard. Not even wrestle up. I just want to develop and play the whole game. That’s why I started as a white belt.”
The Financial Appeal of BJJ
“100%. I mean, it’s more like a professional league. You show up, they have tickets sold, there are pretty girls ringside, there are drinks. It’s not like an amateur wrestling event.”
“CJI is like, Hey, you get paid $10,000 to show up. I’m like, Oh, s-! I usually pay to wrestle! So, hey, this is great.”
“And unless you’re a world team member—like, the heights I’ve reached, which is only the 1% of the 1%—there’s only one slot at each weight class. There’s only one guy getting the monthly stipends, all the sponsors, the insurance, getting flown around the world. It’s not everybody.”
“So right now, I’m wrestling for $10K again—or excuse me, grappling—tomorrow for 10K again. You don’t have those opportunities to stay active.”
“There are so many more hobbyists, so many more fans. My analytics, my rise, my engagement ever since I fully committed to grappling and competing a lot—it’s crazy. It’s crazy to see my brand taking off like this and infiltrating this new sport. And in my mind, I’m just getting started.”
Teaching and Seminar Opportunities
Another major advantage Downey has found in professional grappling is the ability to monetize his skills through teaching. While wrestling seminars cater primarily to a limited number of aspiring wrestlers, jiu-jitsu and grappling seminars attract a far larger pool of hobbyists and fans willing to pay for instruction. Downey has noted that his jiu-jitsu-related seminars generate significantly more income than his wrestling-based ones, further proving the financial viability of grappling beyond just competition earnings.
Since transitioning to professional grappling, Downey has witnessed a notable increase in his personal brand engagement. With more event opportunities and a growing fanbase, his social media presence has flourished, creating additional business opportunities. Unlike amateur wrestling, where financial stability is largely dictated by Olympic or collegiate affiliations, professional grappling allows athletes to take control of their own earning potential.
The Decline of Wrestling’s Financial Viability
Downey’s observations align with a broader trend seen across combat sports. As highlighted by UFC analyst Luke Thomas, the number of NCAA Division I All-Americans transitioning to MMA has significantly declined, reflecting the waning financial appeal of amateur wrestling. Similarly, U.S. Judo Olympic coach Jimmy Pedro has discussed how financial backing for judo in the U.S. pales in comparison to powerhouse nations like France and Russia.
For example, French judo superstar Teddy Riner has amassed a staggering fortune, with sponsorship deals, investments, and business ventures pushing his net worth into the hundreds of millions. This level of financial success is practically unattainable for wrestlers within the amateur system, further reinforcing why many are now opting for professional grappling even over MMA.
The Future of Elite Wrestlers in Professional Grappling
With the financial realities of amateur wrestling becoming increasingly apparent, elite wrestlers are beginning to explore alternative career paths. The professional grappling circuit offers not just better pay but also greater long-term earning potential through branding, sponsorships, and diversified revenue streams.
