Tim Elliott explains how he renegotiated a higher-paying UFC deal, despite coming off three losses

ABU DHABI – Tim Elliott is on a three-fight losing skid, but he’s now making more money.

According to the longtime UFC flyweight himself, Elliott (15-11-1 MMA, 4-9 UFC) and the UFC renegotiated his contract ahead of his UFC on ESPN 13 co-main event bout on Wednesday against Ryan Benoit (10-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC).

“I just got four fights, I think because they know it’s not about wins and losses in fighting,” Elliott told MMA Junkie at a Monday pre-fight media day. “To be in the UFC is a lot. They have guys that are out getting in trouble and getting drunk, and guys that are missing weight. If they sign new guys, they don’t know if they’re going to be good fits in the promotion. They know that I’m not going to cause any trouble for the promotion. They know I’m going to show up and make weight.

“They know I’m going to come out and perform, whether I win or lose. I just got arm-triangled in the second round and they gave me a $50,000 bonus. They know that I’m going to come. I’m a company man. They don’t have to worry about me. I’m on time for everything. I’m easy to work with. It’s not just fighting. It’s a business, and you have to be a businessman. I feel like I’m finally coming into that.”

Despite his new deal, Elliott doesn’t feel any less pressure to compete. He knows the UFC’s interest will only keep his promotional career afloat for so long. He needs to pair being a company man with winning efforts inside the cage.

“The contract is only binding to me,” Elliott said. “They could fire me at any time. I know that. There’s no pressure here, man. I’m having a good time. This is the time of my life. I was built for this. There’s no place I’d rather be.”

UFC on ESPN 13 takes place Wednesday at Flash Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.