
Martin Buday, the rising Slovakian heavyweight in the UFC, has gained attention for his undefeated streak and physical dominance inside the octagon. Known for his strategic fighting style and impressive size, Buday is not just a force in the cage but also a growing figure in the world of combat sports. From his net worth to his UFC odds, upcoming fights, and professional record, here’s everything you need to know about this promising heavyweight contender.
Who Is Martin Buday?
Martin Buday, nicknamed “Badys,” is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 265 pounds, Buday represents Slovakia and has quickly made a name for himself with a grinding, methodical style that breaks opponents down over time.
Buday was born on November 11, 1991, in Nitra, Slovakia. Before joining the UFC, he competed in various European MMA promotions, most notably Oktagon MMA, where he became the heavyweight champion.
Martin Buday’s Net Worth in 2025
Estimated Net Worth: $500,000 – $750,000
Martin Buday’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $500,000 to $750,000, and it is expected to grow as he continues his UFC career. Most of his earnings come from:
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Fight purses and bonuses from UFC
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Sponsorships and endorsements
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Performance of the Night bonuses
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Regional MMA promotion earnings before UFC
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Merchandise and brand partnerships (mainly Slovak and European brands)
As Buday climbs higher in the heavyweight rankings and potentially headlines events, his earnings and overall net worth could exceed $1 million in the next few years.
Career Earnings & UFC Payouts
While exact figures are not publicly available for all of Buday’s fights, here’s a breakdown of approximate earnings from his UFC appearances:
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UFC Debut vs. Chris Barnett (April 2022): $24,000 (including win bonus)
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Fight vs. Lukasz Brzeski (August 2022): $28,000
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Fight vs. Jake Collier (April 2023): $35,000
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Fight vs. Josh Parisian (August 2023): $40,000
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Fight vs. Shamil Gaziev (March 2024): $45,000 (loss)
These earnings do not include potential locker room bonuses, discretionary bonuses, or sponsorship income.
Martin Buday’s UFC Record
As of July 2025, Martin Buday holds a professional MMA record of:
🥋 MMA Record: 13 Wins – 2 Losses
Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mar 2, 2024 | Shamil Gaziev | Loss | TKO (Retirement) | UFC Fight Night 238 |
Aug 12, 2023 | Josh Parisian | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC on ESPN 51 |
Apr 29, 2023 | Jake Collier | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC on ESPN 45 |
Aug 13, 2022 | Lukasz Brzeski | Win | Split Decision | UFC on ESPN 41 |
Apr 16, 2022 | Chris Barnett | Win | Technical Decision | UFC on ESPN 34 |
Oct 2021 | Lorenzo Hood | Win | KO (Punch) | Dana White’s Contender Series |
Before joining the UFC, Buday dominated in Oktagon MMA, where he racked up numerous knockout victories and captured the Oktagon MMA Heavyweight Championship.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Martin Buday’s fighting style is heavily based on pressure, clinch control, and durability. He doesn’t always look for the quick knockout but prefers to wear opponents down with body shots, cage control, and superior cardio for a heavyweight.
Key Strengths:
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Cardio: Rare for a heavyweight, Buday maintains a steady pace over three rounds.
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Size & Reach: Uses his 77-inch reach effectively in the clinch.
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Fight IQ: Adapts quickly mid-fight, which has helped him win close decisions.
Weaknesses:
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Limited Finishing Ability at UFC Level
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Striking Defense Can Be Exploited by Power Punchers
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Slower Footwork Compared to Top-5 Contenders
Martin Buday’s Next Fight (2025 Update)
Upcoming Fight: Not Yet Announced
As of July 2025, Martin Buday has no official fight scheduled, but multiple sources suggest that the UFC is looking to book him against another rising prospect or veteran later in 2025. After his loss to Gaziev in March 2024, Buday has been rumored to be rehabbing from minor injuries and improving his skillset in Europe.
Potential Next Opponents:
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta
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Marcos Rogerio de Lima
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Justin Tafa
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Don’Tale Mayes (rematch)
These matchups make sense for Buday, who is still in the developmental stage of his UFC career but remains just outside the top 15.
Martin Buday Betting Odds (UFC Fights)
Martin Buday has often been the slight favorite or underdog depending on the opponent. Here are some historical odds from his recent bouts:
Opponent | Buday Odds | Result |
---|---|---|
Josh Parisian | -240 (Favorite) | ✅ Win |
Jake Collier | -150 (Favorite) | ✅ Win |
Lukasz Brzeski | +110 (Underdog) | ✅ Win |
Chris Barnett | -180 (Favorite) | ✅ Win |
Shamil Gaziev | +225 (Underdog) | ❌ Loss |
Betting Strategy:
Buday tends to go the distance, making “Fight Goes the Distance” or “Buday by Decision” bets profitable in the past. He’s a grinder who avoids risky exchanges, which often results in close decisions rather than knockouts.
Training Camp and Coaches
Martin Buday trains out of Spartakus Fight Gym in Slovakia, which has become a hotbed for MMA talent in Central Europe. His head coach, Attila Végh, is a former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion and brings high-level strategy and discipline to Buday’s game.
Buday has also spent training camps in the U.S., working with teams like Sanford MMA (now Kill Cliff FC) to sharpen his wrestling and striking.
Social Media and Fan Base
Buday is relatively low-key on social media but is slowly growing a fanbase.
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Instagram: @martin_buday_mma (40K+ followers)
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Twitter/X: Rarely active
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YouTube/Podcast Appearances: Featured on various Slovak MMA channels and UFC pre-fight media
He appeals especially to Eastern European MMA fans who admire his work ethic, humility, and resilience.
Martin Buday: Rise to UFC
Oktagon MMA Career
Before joining the UFC, Buday compiled a dominant record in Oktagon MMA, where he became the heavyweight champion. His finishing rate was high, with multiple knockouts via elbows, ground-and-pound, and powerful punches.
He caught the attention of Dana White during Dana White’s Contender Series 2021, where he stopped Lorenzo Hood via first-round TKO, earning a UFC contract.
UFC Debut
Buday debuted against Chris Barnett at UFC on ESPN 34 in April 2022. Despite an illegal elbow resulting in a technical decision, Buday controlled the bout and showcased his clinch dominance.
Legacy and Future Potential
At 33 years old, Buday is in his physical prime and still has room to grow. While he may not be the flashiest fighter in the UFC’s heavyweight division, his consistent performances and ability to grind out wins make him a tough matchup for anyone outside the top 10.
If Buday can improve his finishing ability and striking diversity, a top-15 ranking is within reach. He could eventually become a gatekeeper or a dark horse contender in the heavyweight scene.
Conclusion
Martin Buday is more than just a powerful Slovakian heavyweight; he’s a fighter with grit, skill, and the mindset of a champion. With a growing fanbase, improving record, and consistent UFC showings, Buday is carving his place in one of MMA’s most dangerous divisions.
Whether you’re tracking his next fight, placing a bet based on UFC odds, or analyzing his career path, Buday remains one of the most intriguing rising heavyweights to watch.
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