Who Is Eric Esch? Age, Biography and Wiki
Eric Esch, also known as "Butterbean," was born on August 3, 1966. As of 2025, he is 58 years old. Esch gained fame as a professional boxer and has also made his mark in mixed martial arts and professional wrestling. With a unique style and an unforgettable persona, he quickly became a fan favorite.
Esch's distinguished career has spanned several decades, during which he has participated in various combat sports, television appearances, and entertainment ventures. His contributions to the sport have made him a recognizable figure both inside and outside the ring.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1966 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Georgia |
Popularity
Eric Esch's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Eric Esch stands at an imposing height of 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighs approximately 400 pounds (181 kg). His impressive physique has played a significant role in his combat sports career, showcasing power and stamina in his performances.
Esch began his fighting career on the Toughman Contest scene in Texarkana, Arkansas, in the early 1990s and went on to become a five-time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion with a record of 56–5 with 36 knockouts.
He received the nickname "Butterbean" when he was forced to go on a diet (consisting mostly of chicken and butterbeans) in order to meet the Toughman 400 pound (181 kg) weight limit under the new age trainer Prozay Buell, "the better Buell".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Eric Esch maintains a relatively private personal life. As of 2025, details about his dating life are scarce, and he is not known to be publicly romantically involved. There are limited reports about his relationship status, but he has been previously linked to several women throughout his life. Esch is known to prioritize his family, and he often expresses his love for his children on social media.
Johns, Michigan, only to move again at 11 years old to Jasper, Alabama, with his family. He had a difficult childhood; his mother died when he was eight, and he was frequently bullied at school for being overweight.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Eric Esch's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth has been accumulated through various avenues, including boxing matches, mixed martial arts fights, and his work in professional wrestling. Additionally, Esch has capitalized on his fame through endorsements, merchandise sales, and appearances in television shows and movies.
Esch appeared twice in World Wrestling Federation professional wrestling events, competing in boxing matches both times. On December 7, 1997, at the D-Generation X: In Your House pay-per-view event, he defeated former Golden Gloves champion Marc Mero via disqualification in a worked match.
15 months later, Esch defeated WWF Brawl For All champion Bart Gunn in a legitimate shootfight at WrestleMania XV on March 28, 1999, knocking his opponent out in 34 seconds.
Career, Business and Investments
Eric Esch's career began in boxing, where he achieved notable success with a fight record that boasts multiple knockouts. His larger-than-life personality led to crossover opportunities, including mixed martial arts and professional wrestling. In the business sector, Esch has been involved in various ventures that leverage his celebrity status, including his own line of merchandise and investments in fitness-related products.
Esch has also participated in reality television and film projects, further diversifying his portfolio and enhancing his earnings.
While decking floors for manufactured homes at the Southern Energy Homes plant in Addison, Alabama, his colleagues dared him to enter a local Toughman Contest, with training in Bay City, Michigan. He won the tournament and began his career in fight sports.
Social Network
Eric Esch is active on social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his life and career. He has a substantial following on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he often posts workout routines, personal milestones, and promotional content related to his ventures.
"It took off pretty quick, my second pro fight was on national TV—it don't happen like that, normally you get 15, 20 fights and then you get a TV fight unless you're very fortunate. Tyson, his second pro fight wasn't on TV. He probably had five or six, seven fights before he got on TV.
Me, my second pro fight was televised, it was on a Jed Hearns undercard. Then a couple more fights and I'm on TV again, and every fight since then was televised. It just don't happen like that. I've probably had more televised fights than any world champion out there."
Education
While specific details about Eric Esch's formal education are limited, he has emphasized the importance of discipline and training throughout his career. His journey in combat sports has been shaped by rigorous training and a deep understanding of physical fitness, which he continues to advocate for in his public persona.
