Brendan Peter Schaub (born March 18, 1983) is an American podcast host, former professional mixed martial artist, and stand-up comedian. He hosts The Fighter and the Kid, Below the Belt with Brendan Schaub, and co-hosts The Golden Hour with Chris D’Elia and Erik Griffin.
After joining the UFC in 2009 via The Ultimate Fighter, he fought until 2014, retiring from MMA in 2015. Schaub started stand-up comedy, first with Bryan Callen, then solo. His specials, You’d Be Surprised (2019) and The Gringo Papi (2022), received negative reviews.
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Brendan Schaub Net Worth
Brendan Schaub has a net worth of $6 million. On January 30, he sparked controversy on Big Brown Breakdown by suggesting the UFC On Fox panel was chosen based on race for diversity. In February 2018, Schaub partnered with Showtime to rebrand his podcast as BELOW THE BELT with Brendan Schaub, also launching a web show.
On December 21, 2018, he and Theo Von created the King and the Sting podcast. In January 2022, Chris D’Elia joined, renaming it King and the Sting and Wing. On November 4, 2022, it became The Golden Hour, adding Erik Griffin.
Early life
Brendan Schaub was born in Aurora, Colorado, to Debra (English) and Peter Schaub (American). He is of German, Italian, and English descent. His father holds a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. At Overland High School, Schaub lettered in lacrosse and American football.
Without scholarship offers, he tried out for Whittier College teams and was accepted. He later transferred to the University of Colorado, redshirting his first season. Undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft, he briefly signed with the Utah Blaze (Arena Football League) before retiring from football in 2007.
Career
After retiring from football, Brendan Schaub returned to Colorado, training in boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. After six months, he won the Colorado novice-division Golden Gloves heavyweight title in amateur boxing. He trained at High Altitude Martial Arts in Aurora and Grudge Training Center in Arvada, where he met UFC heavyweight contender Shane Carwin.
They became friends and training partners. Schaub began his professional MMA career mainly in Colorado, starting with a 4–0 record and winning the heavyweight title for the Ring of Fire organization.
Personal life
Brendan Schaub is engaged to Joanna Zanella; they have two sons (born 2016 and 2019). He has a brother, Jay, and previously dated Ronda Rousey. Schaub supports sports teams from Denver, Los Angeles, and the Cleveland Browns. He is passionate about fashion and automobiles.
After a fight with Mirko Cro Cop, he was prescribed OxyContin and struggled with addiction for months. In May 2021, after 14 years of training, Schaub earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
What did Brendan Schaub say to Nate Diaz?
In an exchange with Nate Diaz, Schaub’s comments were somewhat controversial. He urged Diaz to ‘use your words’, referencing Diaz’s manner of speaking, which Schaub implied was difficult to understand.
Conclusion
Brendan Schaub’s journey from MMA fighter to podcast host and comedian demonstrates his versatility and resilience. His net worth of $4 million is a testament to his ability to successfully navigate different career paths while building a significant financial portfolio.
FAQs about Brendan Schaub
- How did Brendan Schaub transition from MMA to podcasting and comedy? Schaub leveraged his fighting fame to build a career in entertainment, showcasing his adaptability and talent in different fields.
- What are some of the podcasts hosted by Brendan Schaub? Schaub hosts several popular podcasts where he discusses sports, entertainment, and life experiences.
- Has Brendan Schaub been involved in any controversies? Schaub has had his share of controversies, both in his personal life and professional comments, which have impacted his public image.
- What impact did MMA have on Brendan Schaub’s career? His MMA career laid the foundation for his public persona, giving him the platform to branch into entertainment.
- What is Brendan Schaub’s approach to comedy and podcasting? Schaub brings a unique perspective to his comedy and podcasts, often drawing from his experiences in the sports and entertainment industries.