Zac Pauga is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight division. He is also a former professional football player and a finalist in The Ultimate Fighter Season 30. He is known for his striking skills, toughness, and determination. Here are some facts and highlights of his career.
Zac Pauga is a mixed martial artist who competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has a net worth of approximately $700,000.
Zac Pauga has an estimated net worth of $700,000 as of now. Image Source: Instagram@zacpauga
Pauga’s income comes from different sources, such as his fight purse and pay-per-view bonus from the UFC, his sponsorship deals and endorsements, and his social media presence. He has over 5,000 followers on his Instagram account, where he posts sponsored content and updates about his training and fights.
Before becoming an MMA fighter, Pauga also earned some money as an NFL player for the Denver Broncos and a police officer in Colorado.
Zac Pauga was born on February 25, 1988, in Denver, Colorado. While growing up, he participated in many sports, but football was always his favorite. He played running back and linebacker for Mullen High School and excelled at both positions. From 2004-2006, he was a key contributor to his team's run of three straight state titles.
Pauga later attended Colorado State University, where he excelled as a fullback and special teams specialist in the college football program. He played on the varsity team for four years and was named captain in his final season. In 2010, he received his bachelor's degree in business administration.
After college, Pauga tried to pursue a career in the NFL. He signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2011, but he was released before the season started. He then had brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers, but he never made it to the active roster.
In 2012, Pauga made the switch to MMA after being motivated to do so by watching UFC bouts on television. He signed on with Denver's Elevation Fight Team and learned from the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Neil Magny, and Cory Sandhagen.
Pauga debuted as an amateur in 2019, and he has since won six consecutive matches, all via stoppage. In February 2020, he defeated three opponents in one night to win the SCL King of Sparta Flyweight Tournament. His victories came via boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.
After turning professional in July 2020, Pauga won four more times. He defeated his opponents through knockout, decision, and submission, demonstrating his versatility and toughness. He also competed in shows for LFA and Cage Warriors.
Zac Pauga competes as a professional UFC fighter. Image Source: Instagram@zacpauga
Pauga competed on Season 30 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2022, a reality show where MMA athletes try to win a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Pauga's performances as a fighter under the tutelage of former UFC champion Stipe Miocic wowed the crowd. Both of his exhibition fights ended in technical knockouts, sending him to the championship round of the light heavyweight competition.
On UFC on ESPN 40 on August 6, 2022, Pauga made his MMA debut. UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman's brother Mohammed Usman was his opponent. Pauga was knocked out in the second round, marking the beginning of his career losing streak.
After suffering a loss, Pauga defeated Jordan Wright by majority decision at UFC Fight Night 219 on February 18, 2023. He showed off his defensive prowess and striking precision by taking only 36 hits while landing 110.
Pauga last competed on UFC on ESPN 47, which took place on June 17, 2023. He met Modestas Bukauskas, a formidable attacker and previous Cage Warriors champion. After a close and difficult battle that set a record for the most important strikes landed in a light heavyweight match (248), Pauga was defeated by a unanimous decision.
Among light heavyweights in the UFC, Pauga is currently rated #15. He's young and ambitious, with plenty of time to hone his craft and move up the ranks. His violent and unrelenting fighting style earned him the moniker "The Ripper". Fans love him because of his charming demeanor and genuine kindness. Pauga is a promising fighter in the light heavyweight category of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
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Zac Pauga and Jess Pauga are a married couple who have been together for 18 years. They met in high school and tied the knot on March 28, 2014. They live in Lakewood, Colorado with their two children, Jango and Moana. Zac is a professional MMA fighter who competes in the heavyweight division, while Jess is a marketing expert and a corporate executive.
Zac Pauga with his wife and their two kids. Image Source: Instagram@zacpauga
Jess has been Zac’s supportive partner throughout his athletic career, cheering him on during his matches and helping him recover from his injuries. She is also a philanthropist who dedicates her time and resources to various causes and charities. Zac and Jess are a loving and successful couple who balance their personal and professional lives.
Zac Pauga is a first-generation American with a Samoan ethnicity. His father is an immigrant from Samoa who came to the United States in search of a better life.
His father’s name and identity have not been revealed to the public. His mother is also a mystery, as her name and identity have not been mentioned in any sources. Pauga has two siblings: an older brother named Justin Pauga and a sister named Tea-Kenji Pauga-Lanciaux.
