The Top Earners in the UFC: Highest Paid Fighters and Their Earnings

Mixed martial arts has created some of the highest-earning fighters in sports. Athletes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) can earn millions by stepping into the octagon, thanks to fight purses, pay-per-view points, and bonus awards. Conor McGregor stands out as the highest-paid UFC fighter of all time, earning over $39 million from his matches as highlighted in reports from major sports sites, including Front Office Sports and Statista.

Some of the most paid fighters.

UFC fighters like Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sean O'Malley, and Alex Pereira have also secured their places among the top earners in UFC history. Their high incomes often depend on performance, fight popularity, and championship status. With each major event, the earnings list can shift, showing how competitive and rewarding the sport can be at its highest level.

Key Takeaways

• The UFC's top stars can earn millions through fights and bonuses.

• Conor McGregor is the highest-paid UFC fighter in history.

• Fighter earnings depend on factors like popularity and championship success.

Overview of Top Earners in the UFC

Highest paid fighters globally.

Career earnings in the UFC depend on fight purses, win bonuses, pay-per-view shares, and sponsorship deals. Champions and popular fighters often reach the highest salary levels due to their star power, title fights, and promotional appeal.

Criteria for Determining Top Earners

The main factors that set the top UFC earners apart include base salaries, performance bonuses, and pay-per-view points. Base salary is the guaranteed amount each fighter earns just for stepping into the Octagon. Fight bonuses reward fighters for knockouts, submissions, or fights of the night, adding extra thousands to their payout.

Many champions and headliners get a share of pay-per-view sales, which is often the key source of huge paydays. Superstar fighters like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have made over $30 million largely by negotiating a cut of these revenue streams. Most lower-ranked fighters do not receive this benefit.

Sponsorships have some influence but are smaller compared to official purses and bonuses, especially since UFC has its own exclusive outfitting deals. The combination of salary, bonuses, pay-per-view points, and sponsorships creates a large gap between the earnings of top fighters and the rest of the roster. For example, McGregor has accumulated over $39 million in UFC fight earnings.

Impact of Career Longevity on Earnings

Longevity in the UFC leads to higher overall earnings, especially for those who remain competitive and fight in main events. Fighters with long careers, like Andrei Arlovski and Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, have each made millions even without always being UFC champion.

Being active in the Ultimate Fighting Championship for many years allows fighters to accumulate more bouts and, in turn, more fight purses and bonuses. Veterans often become fan favorites and get chosen for high-profile fights, further increasing their paychecks.

Some athletes also transition into coaching, commentary, or promotional roles, which can add to their long-term financial gains. Still, the highest earners usually combine longevity with big wins, headline bouts, and multiple main event appearances. As shown in top earnings lists, steady participation and repeated success are key drivers for career earnings in the UFC.

Iconic UFC Fighters and Their Earnings

Ranked highest paid fighters.

Some UFC fighters have earned millions throughout their careers. Their success comes from both championship wins and headline fights, making them major names in MMA history.

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is the top earner in UFC history. He has made over $39 million from UFC fights alone, which does not include his massive boxing payday against Floyd Mayweather. McGregor has been a UFC champion in two weight classes: featherweight and lightweight.

His star power draws a lot of fans and pay-per-view buys. He often headlines the highest-grossing UFC events. Some of his earnings come from fight bonuses, pay-per-view shares, and performance awards. McGregor's bouts, such as his fights with Nate Diaz and Khabib Nurmagomedov, broke UFC revenue records.

His financial success is unmatched in UFC, making him a benchmark for high earnings. For more on McGregor’s pay, see the top highest-earning UFC fighters.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov is known for his undefeated record and strong run as UFC lightweight champion. He retired with 29 wins and 0 losses, a rare achievement in MMA.

Nurmagomedov earned almost $23 million during his UFC career. Most of his earnings came later in his career, especially from his title defenses and high-profile fights. His long-awaited showdown with Conor McGregor was one of the biggest pay-per-view events in UFC history.

Khabib's popularity grew because of his dominant style and respectful approach. His financial rewards increased as he headlined more pay-per-views and defended his title.

Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva is a former UFC middleweight champion with one of the longest title reigns in UFC history. He held the belt for 2,457 days and defended it ten times.

Silva’s total UFC earnings are estimated to be about $8 million to $18 million from fight purses, bonuses, and pay-per-view shares. He fought some of the most well-known names in MMA, such as Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Michael Bisping.

Silva also earned "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses, boosting his pay. His graceful fighting style and many wins helped make him a major star in the UFC.

Jon Jones

Jon Jones is widely recognized for his long and successful run as UFC light heavyweight champion. He has defended his title against some of the best fighters and is often discussed as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

Jones has earned about $15 million to $20 million from his UFC career, which includes purses, event bonuses, and shares from pay-per-view events. Jones’s biggest paydays came from major title fights and his move to the heavyweight division.

He is known for his creative fighting style, reach, and ability to control fights. Jon Jones’s name is often linked to consistent championship performances and high UFC salaries. To learn more about Jones and other top earners, see this UFC earnings ranking.

Other Notable High Earners in the UFC

Some UFC fighters have earned large sums over their careers through prize money, bonuses, and pay-per-view shares. Many of these athletes are former champions or fan favorites who contributed to some of the sport's biggest events.

Alistair Overeem

Alistair Overeem had a long and successful run in the UFC heavyweight division. He was known for his experience in multiple organizations before joining the UFC, including K-1 and Strikeforce. In the UFC, Overeem fought elite opponents like Stipe Miocic, Andrei Arlovski, and Junior Dos Santos.

Overeem was recognized for his striking and finishing ability. His notable victories helped him earn multiple performance bonuses. He main-evented many cards and fought for the heavyweight title. Overeem's total UFC earnings are reported to be among the highest for heavyweights, with estimates often exceeding $10 million over his career. His career stands out for both its longevity and consistency in taking top fights.

Donald Cerrone

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone was one of the most active fighters in UFC history. He competed in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions and set records for the most wins and most finishes. Cerrone’s willingness to take short-notice fights made him a fan favorite.

Cerrone earned large payouts due to his frequency in the Octagon, strong performances, and post-fight bonuses. He fought top names like Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson, contributing to his career earnings. His UFC pay is estimated to be in the top 20 all-time, reaching over $9 million, according to some reports. Cerrone’s name is also associated with a large number of “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses.

Junior Dos Santos

Junior Dos Santos became the UFC heavyweight champion in 2011 after defeating Cain Velasquez. His title run brought big paydays, main event status, and performance bonuses. Dos Santos fought many of the division’s best, including Stipe Miocic, Alistair Overeem, and Andrei Arlovski.

A list of some of his notable opponents:

• Cain Velasquez

• Stipe Miocic

• Fabricio Werdum

• Francis Ngannou

His UFC earnings are among the highest for heavyweights, reported to be over $7 million in fight purses and bonuses. Dos Santos was known for his boxing and knockout power, making him popular with fans and promoters alike.

Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping made history as the first British UFC champion when he defeated Luke Rockhold for the middleweight title. He competed in the Octagon over a decade and fought many well-known names. Bisping’s victories over Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson boosted his profile.

Bisping’s title reign and main events generated high pay-per-view sales and large payouts. He also earned additional income as a commentator and analyst for the UFC. Reports show Bisping’s total UFC earnings exceeded $8 million, putting him among the top earners in the sport. His influence is still felt in MMA media and commentary.

For more details on UFC top earners, rankings, and numbers, visit BetMGM’s top 20 list of highest-paid UFC fighters.

Sources of UFC Fighter Income

UFC fighters earn money from several sources, and each part plays a key role in how much money they take home. These sources include guaranteed pay, bonuses, and extra income outside of their fights.

Fight Purses and Salaries

A UFC fighter's main income comes from guaranteed fight purses and salaries. Each fighter signs a contract for a set amount to show up and another amount if they win. For example, a contract may offer $30,000 to show and another $30,000 if the fighter wins.

Top stars like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have earned much higher purses—sometimes millions—due to their popularity and drawing power. Most fighters, though, earn far less, with average salaries sitting in the five-figure range per fight. Title fights and main events bring much larger paydays compared to undercard bouts.

Promotions like the UFC also deduct some amounts for expenses such as training, coaches, and managers, which can take a large cut from the fighter’s earnings. Many fighters try to compete multiple times a year to increase their total pay.

Performance and Fight Night Bonuses

UFC gives out extra money through bonuses at every fight event. The most common are "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" bonuses. Both usually pay $50,000 each. "Fight of the Night" goes to the two fighters in the most exciting match, while "Performance of the Night" rewards individual fighters for a strong finish or standout moment.

These bonuses can make a huge difference for lower-paid fighters. Sometimes, a bonus is worth more than the fighter’s base salary. Winning multiple bonuses over a career can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some fighters even strategize or fight with more risk in hopes of earning these extra rewards.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Outside the octagon, fighters work with brands and companies for extra pay through endorsements and sponsorships. Before 2015, fighters could have many sponsors, such as Nike or smaller brands, which added big money to their paychecks.

However, the UFC's exclusive deal with Reebok limited these deals, paying fighters based on ranking and experience rather than individual contracts. This change lowered sponsorship income for most athletes. Today, top stars might get their own deals outside the UFC, but most fighters rely on the promotion’s apparel partnership system for extra income.

Big names like Conor McGregor can still get major endorsement deals, sometimes making more from sponsors than actual fights. Social media presence and personality help fighters attract more brands and higher-paying contracts.

Factors Influencing UFC Earnings

Breakdown of the profits.

UFC fighter pay is shaped by each athlete’s achievements, the excitement they bring to events, and their fan draw. Salary differences are often explained by fight outcomes and how a fighter’s style and personality attract viewers.

Championship Status and Weight Divisions

Holding a UFC title—such as the heavyweight champion or light heavyweight champion—means higher guaranteed pay and bigger performance bonuses. Champions usually negotiate larger contracts and may also get a share of pay-per-view (PPV) sales, especially for main events. Top contenders and former champions also earn more than most undercard fighters.

Different weight divisions bring varied earning potential. Heavyweight and light heavyweight athletes often make the most due to high-profile matchups and higher viewership. Lower weight classes, while competitive, usually offer less pay unless a fighter becomes a standout star.

Performance in title fights—like main events at UFC fight night—often leads to additional bonuses and career growth.

Popularity and Marketability

Fighter popularity matters as much as winning. High-profile fighters with big social media followings, fan support, and media coverage usually get better contracts. This includes stars who sell the most merchandise, bring global attention, or headline in major cities. Fighters who engage fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter can attract more sponsorships.

Dana White and the UFC leadership often reward fighters who help promote events. Well-known names are prioritized for main events and pay-per-view fights. Marketable athletes are featured in more promotional videos and may appear on posters, selling more tickets and boosting pay opportunities.

Fighting Style and Viewership Appeal

A fighter’s style can lead to higher earnings. Strikers with backgrounds in boxing or flashy martial arts often get paid more because their fights draw bigger TV ratings. Spectacular knockouts, powerful striking, or fast finishes add to a fighter’s excitement factor for fans.

Wrestling and grappling can be less popular with casual viewers, but skilled athletes in these areas sometimes become pay-per-view draws with dominant performances. Fighters who consistently deliver entertaining matches—whether through technical skill or raw aggression—are more likely to headline events. Excitement inside the cage is a key reason top earners see bigger UFC purses.

Controversies and Challenges Facing Top UFC Earners

Top UFC earners deal with unique problems related to contracts, sponsorship opportunities, and questions about how much they actually make. Public arguments, business changes, and legal fights often affect their income and reputation.

Contract Disputes and Legal Troubles

UFC fighters often face contract disputes with the organization over issues like payment, fight terms, and restrictions. Some big-name fighters have complained about not getting a fair share of revenue. They argue that the company shares only a small percentage of its earnings—around 16% to 20% with its fighters—unlike other sports leagues, which pay athletes much more.

Fighters like Nate Diaz and Jon Jones have been outspoken about these issues, sometimes sitting out events or threatening legal action. Lawsuits from former fighters have focused on contract terms and alleged unfair treatment. These legal battles can last for years and create tension between athletes and UFC management.

Impact of Sponsorship Changes

Sponsorship deals have a huge effect on how much UFC fighters can earn outside the Octagon.

Before 2015, fighters were allowed to display any sponsors on their shorts and banners, leading to big deals with brands like Nike. When the UFC signed an exclusive sponsorship deal with Reebok, it greatly limited fighters’ earnings from personal sponsors. The Reebok deal set strict pay scales based on seniority, removing the chance for top athletes to earn more from private sponsorships.

Many fighters openly criticized this change because it meant a loss of income and less control over their personal brand. The impact of these rules is still felt today, even with new sponsorship deals in place.

Public Perception and Net Worth Debates

There are constant debates about what UFC stars are actually worth. Public records and company statements often show lower numbers than what fighters, fans, and media estimate. High-profile earners like Conor McGregor are believed to be worth millions, but many athletes make far less—reports state the median salary for UFC fighters is about $51,370, with almost half earning below $45,000 per year. This gap between rich and average earners fuels public controversy and raises questions about fairness. Accounts of lavish lifestyles and sponsorship fame often do not match reality for most fighters, adding to the debate over the true value of fighting in the UFC.