Carla Esparza (pictured) became the UFC’s inaugural strawweight champion two years ago by winning “The Ultimate Fighter 20.”
The former Invicta FC champ not only scored a six-figure UFC contract by submitting Rose Namajunas in the tournament finals, but also took home a brand new Harley-Davidson motorcycle for her efforts.
What did Esparza do immediately after becoming a UFC champion? Splurge on a $1,000 “Golden Opulence Sundae” at Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City with BFF Felice Herrig.
True story…
Fast forward almost 24 months to the day and Esparza claims she is nearly dead broke.
Sad, but apparently a true story…
In the picture posted on her verified Instagram account, Esparza says she only has enough in her depleted bank account to cover the next two months of bills. In order to “make ends meet,” Esparza is trying to sell the brand new Harley she won on TUF 20, which at the time came with a purchase price of $19,799.
Esparza hasn’t been seen since beating Juliana Lima in April. She pocketed a disclosed salary of $60,000, with half coming via win bonus, that evening. However, Esparza says her financial troubles started well before beating Lima.
After accepting a short-notice bout to defend her title against current champ Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 185, Esparza underwent surgery to repair the shoulder she injured in the loss. She was sidelined for over 13 months before facing Lima.
And as most UFC fighters will tell you, especially those without major sponsors in their back pocket, you don’t fight, you don’t get paid.
On the flipside, beggars can’t be choosers. Esparza has been requesting a “non-title contention fight” for her next outing because she has been fairly inactive over the past 19 months, but the UFC is only offering a #1 contender opponent.
The 29-year-old says the UFC has been radio silent since she declined their offer.
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