Butterbean Net Worth

Butterbean net worth in 2026 is estimated at $500,000 [1][2]. Most published estimates agree on that figure, built from boxing purses, MMA and wrestling pay, film and television work and his barbecue restaurant [1][2][4]. His restaurant and his appearances keep him earning more than a decade after retirement [1][2].

Butterbean real name is Eric Scott Esch [1][2]. He was born on August 3, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia, and got his nickname from a diet of chicken and butterbeans that helped him make the Toughman weight limit [2][4]. The nickname came from a diet of chicken and butterbeans for Toughman contests [2][4].

Butterbean won 77 professional boxing bouts, with 10 losses and 4 draws, and most of his wins came by knockout [2][4]. He also fought in MMA, kickboxing and professional wrestling across a career that ran from 1994 to 2013 [1][2]. He also fought in MMA, kickboxing and professional wrestling across two decades [1][2].

Yes, Butterbean fought former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in 2002 and lost on points after going the full ten rounds [1][2]. The fight earned him respect for lasting the distance against a former champion [2]. He lasted the full ten rounds against the former heavyweight champion in 2002 [1][2].

Butterbean runs Mr. Bean BBQ, a barbecue restaurant in Jasper, Alabama, where he cooks most days [1][2][3]. He also makes appearances, gives interviews and has said he wants one more fight, calling out Jake Paul in 2025 [1]. He has also launched a beverage flavour and said he wants one more fight [1].

Butterbean lost more than 200 pounds after joining Diamond Dallas Page fitness program in 2022 [1][2]. His weight had passed 500 pounds and left him in a wheelchair for over three years before he had both hips replaced [1]. He had both hips replaced and got under 300 pounds for the first time in decades [1][2].