Aleksei Oleinik, a 48-year-old mixed martial arts veteran, disclosed on a recent Instagram livestream that he was paid just $250 by the UFC last year for the use of his likeness in the EA UFC 5 video game. Despite the modest payout, Oleinik’s estranged ex-wife appears to have quickly withdrawn the amount from their joint bank account, which had been used to receive payments from the UFC.
Oleinik, who last fought under the UFC banner in October 2022 after competing since the summer of 2014, explained the situation during his live session. He said,
“The UFC signed a contract with me to use my name about 8 years ago and they’re sending me money every year. In 2025 they sent $250 and my ex-wife took it pretty fast. She transferred it to her own bank account. We had a mutual bank account and I used it for receiving payments from the UFC.” ?Aleksei Oleinik, Mixed Martial Arts Veteran
Contextualizing UFC Fighter Compensation for Video Game Appearances
Compensation for UFC fighters regarding their involvement in video games is a recurring topic within the MMA community. These payments are typically made annually and are based on contracts allowing the UFC to use fighters’ names and likenesses. Oleinik’s story highlights the low scale of such payments for some veterans, bringing attention to financial aspects that are often overshadowed by in-cage earnings.
Demetrious Johnson Shares Contrasting Experience on EA UFC Royalties
In contrast, Demetrious Johnson, UFC’s former flyweight champion, shared his perspective on payouts linked to EA UFC games during a May 2024 YouTube discussion. Johnson revealed that his initial payment for being featured in the video game was $25,000, an amount tied directly to the volume of gameplay involving his character.
Johnson explained that the UFC tracks the usage analytics of each fighter’s character, and these data inform the royalty amounts paid. Expressing his satisfaction with earning money from gameplay rather than physical fights, he remarked,
“They’re always tracking your data and keeping all the analytics. I think that’s fair. It’s based on your popularity in the game. So if everybody and their mom keeps playing me, I will get a bigger check.” ?Demetrious Johnson, Former UFC Flyweight Champion
Implications for UFC Fighters and Future Payouts in Video Game Licensing
The experiences of Aleksei Oleinik and Demetrious Johnson offer contrasting insights into the financial returns UFC fighters receive from video game licensing. While some veterans earn modest amounts, others benefit substantially based on their popularity among players. This disparity emphasizes the growing role of digital royalties as an income source alongside fight purses.
As the use of fighter likenesses in video games continues, it is likely that fighters and UFC management will revisit contract terms to address such payments transparently. For athletes, understanding the mechanisms behind these earnings could influence negotiations for ancillary rights and future video game installments.
😅💵 Aleksei Oleinik reveals he received $250 from UFC in 2025 for being in the EA UFC 5 game, but his ex-wife took it:
"The UFC signed a contract with me to use my name about 8 years ago and they're sending me money every year.
In 2025 they sent $250 and my ex-wife took it… pic.twitter.com/MM0V0eXp0h
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 1, 2026
