Butterbean net worth is derived from his multifaceted combat sports career. He is an American former professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist and wrestler. Most importantly, he is a 3x Super Heavyweight Champion.

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Butterbean net worth

The estimated Butterbean net worth is $500,000 according to Celebrity Net Worth. His multi-disciplinary career across boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing and wrestling, account for his income sources. Additional sources include video games, film and television appearances as well as other business ventures.

Career highlights

Boxing

Butterbean built one of the most unusual and recognizable combat sports careers of his era. He first gained attention in the early 1990s on the Toughman Contest circuit in Arkansas, where he became a five-time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion and compiled an impressive 56–5 record with 36 knockouts.

His famous nickname, “Butterbean,” originated from a strict diet of chicken and butterbeans that helped him meet the Toughman weight limit.

His success in Toughman competitions created a platform for a professional boxing career that began in 1994 with a victory over Tim Daniels. Almost immediately, he became a television attraction and cult figure, earning the nickname “King of the Four-Rounders” because most of his bouts were scheduled for four rounds and regularly broadcast to a national audience.

He amassed a lengthy unbeaten streak, largely through knockout victories, and became one of boxing’s most marketable personalities despite never defeating a top-ranked heavyweight contender from the major sanctioning bodies.

His popularity led promoter Bob Arum to secure him the IBA Super Heavyweight Championship, a title created specifically to capitalize on his drawing power.

Butterbean successfully defended the belt six times and became one of boxing’s most recognizable attractions.

Among his notable opponents were Peter McNeeley and former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, whom he fought in one of the few longer bouts of his career.

By the time he retired from boxing, he had accumulated over 100 professional fights and established himself as a unique figure whose popularity often exceeded his competitive standing in the heavyweight division.

Kickboxing

Seeking new challenges, Butterbean expanded into kickboxing in 2003 after signing with the Japanese promotion K-1.

He made an immediate impact by knocking out Yusuke Fujimoto in his debut. Afterwards, he suffered defeats against notable kickboxers including Mike Bernardo, Hiromi Amada and Montanha Silva.

He later returned to kickboxing several times, including a final victory by knockout over Moon-bi Lam in 2009.

MMA

Butterbean also entered mixed martial arts, debuting against the highly skilled Japanese fighter Genki Sudo in 2003. While he lost via submission, he adapted surprisingly well to MMA and later assembled a respectable record through appearances in promotions such as King of the Cage, Gracie Fightfest, Pride Fighting Championships, Cage Rage, and Rumble on the Rock.

His MMA highlights included victories over Wesley Correira, Sean O’Haire, James Thompson and Zuluzinho. Despite losses to accomplished grapplers such as Ikuhisa Minowa and strong heavyweight competitors including Mariusz Pudzianowski, he earned respect for successfully transitioning from boxing into a sport that demanded a much broader skill set.

Wrestling

Beyond combat sports, Butterbean developed a notable professional wrestling career. He appeared in the World Wrestling Federation, defeating Marc Mero by disqualification and famously knocking out Bart Gunn in just 34 seconds at WrestleMania XV.

He later competed on the independent wrestling circuit and captured the Pro Wrestling Syndicate Heavyweight Championship.

During this time, he also worked with organizations such as Juggalo Championship Wrestling, and remained active in wrestling appearances.

In 2025, he returned to the spotlight for a WrestleCon match against Minoru Suzuki.

Television, film and gaming

Outside the ring, Butterbean leveraged his fame through television, film, gaming, and public appearances. He starred in the reality series Big Law: Deputy Butterbean.

He also gained mainstream recognition through his memorable appearance in “Jackass: The Movie”, where he knocked out Johnny Knoxville during a staged stunt.

Furthermore, he also appeared in video games. His likeness appeared on the cover of the video game Toughman Contest and he was featured in boxing game franchises such as Knockout Kings and Fight Night Champion.

Retirement

Following retirement, Butterbean faced serious health challenges due to chronic pain and mobility issues. However, beginning in 2022 he underwent a remarkable physical transformation with the help of Diamond Dallas Page and the DDP Yoga program. He lost significant weight, underwent successful hip surgery, regained mobility and renewed discussions about a possible comeback.

Other ventures

Away from sports, Butterbean pursued woodworking, creating handcrafted items, and opened the family-operated restaurant Mr. Bean’s BBQ in Alabama.

Conclusion on Butterbean net worth

Butterbean has built his wealth from multiple income streams accumulated over more than three decades. The largest contributors were his professional boxing purses, Toughman competitions, kickboxing and MMA fights, and professional wrestling appearances. Additional earnings came from television projects, film and entertainment appearances, appearances in video games and ownership of the family restaurant.