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Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters in The World (2023)
We will be discussing the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters in the world in detail in this guide. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the biggest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favourite fighters compete.
The organization has created some of the biggest stars in the sport, with fighters becoming household names and earning millions of dollars in the process. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, based on their reported earnings from fights, endorsements, and other sources.
One of the sports with the quickest global growth is mixed martial arts (MMA), which is led by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Millions of fans and billions of dollars in revenue have been drawn to the UFC by some of the most thrilling fights in the history of combat sports.
As the sport has grown in popularity, UFC fighters have risen to the status of some of the highest-paid athletes worldwide. Based on their revenue from fights, endorsements, and other sources, we’ll examine the top 10 UFC fighters in the world in this article.
Since the UFC’s beginning in 1993, when competitors from all over the world entered the octagon, it has grown into a worldwide sensation. Due to the UFC’s enormous fan base and many revenue sources, the fighters’ earnings have greatly increased over time.
Some of the best-known and most dominant competitors in the sport are among the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters, with Conor McGregor leading the list as the highest-paid fighter. These fighters have made themselves some of the most popular and lucrative athletes in the world, whether it be due to their fighting prowess, charisma, or commercial savvy.
Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters in The World
The table below contains the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters in the world:
| Rank | Fighter | Reported Earnings | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conor McGregor | $180 million | $200 million |
| 2 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | $40 million | $30 million |
| 3 | Georges St-Pierre | $30 million | $30 million |
| 4 | Brock Lesnar | $28 million | $28 million |
| 5 | Anderson Silva | $18 million | $18 million |
| 6 | Alistair Overeem | $15 million | $15 million |
| 7 | Jon Jones | $14 million | $10 million |
| 8 | Ronda Rousey | $13 million | $13 million |
| 9 | Nate Diaz | $11 million | $8 million |
| 10 | Junior Dos Santos | $10 million | $10 million |
1. Conor McGregor
Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters in The World
Conor McGregor is the richest UFC fighter in the world. He is a household name in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), known for his charisma, fighting skills, and business savvy.
He has been a dominant force in the UFC, holding multiple titles in different weight classes and amassing a loyal fan base along the way. He is also one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with an estimated net worth of $200 million.
McGregor’s rise to fame began in 2013 when he joined the UFC and quickly made a name for himself with his knockout power and brash personality. He became the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously and went on to become one of the most successful and marketable athletes in the sport.
He has also been involved in several high-profile fights outside of the UFC, including a boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. that generated over $600 million in revenue. While he has had his share of controversies over the years, there is no denying that McGregor is one of the most influential and successful fighters in the history of MMA, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Top 10 Highest-Earning UFC Fighters in The World
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a retired mixed martial artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. He was born on September 20, 1988, in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia, and began training in combat sports at a young age under the tutelage of his father.
He made his UFC debut in 2012 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the lightweight division, with his grappling and ground-and-pound skills earning him a reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport.
Khabib holds an impressive professional record of 29 wins and zero losses, with many of his victories coming by way of submission or knockout. He won the UFC lightweight championship in 2018 and successfully defended his title three times before announcing his retirement from the sport in 2020.
The fighter is also one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with reported earnings of $40 million and a net worth of $30 million. He has become an icon in his native Dagestan and a role model for young fighters all over the world, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport of MMA.
3. Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre, often referred to as “GSP”, is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Born on May 19, 1981, in Quebec, Canada, St-Pierre began training in karate and later transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. He made his UFC debut in 2004 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the welterweight division, winning his first UFC championship in 2006.
Over the course of his career, St-Pierre compiled a professional record of 26 wins and only 2 losses, and he is widely recognized as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport, with exceptional striking, grappling, and wrestling skills.
He retired from the sport in 2019 but left an indelible mark on the UFC, winning multiple championships and earning a reputation as a consummate professional both inside and outside the Octagon.
St-Pierre is also one of the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with reported earnings of $30 million and a net worth of $30 million. His legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history is secure, and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring fighters all over the world.
4. Brock Lesnar
Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters
Brock Lesnar is a former professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist who is widely recognized as one of the most dominant heavyweights in UFC history. Born on July 12, 1977, in South Dakota, USA, Lesnar began his career as a professional wrestler and became a household name in the world of sports entertainment, winning multiple championships in both the WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
In 2008, Lesnar made his UFC debut and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, using his size, strength, and wrestling skills to overpower opponents in the Octagon. He won the UFC heavyweight championship in 2008 and successfully defended his title twice before losing it to Cain Velasquez in 2010.
Despite retiring from the sport in 2020, Lesnar remains one of the most recognizable and top-earning UFC fighters in the world, with estimated earnings of $28 million and a reported net worth of $28 million. Lesnar’s impact on both professional wrestling and MMA cannot be overstated, and his legacy as one of the most dominant fighters of his generation is secure for years to come.
5. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Born on April 14, 1975, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Silva began his martial arts training in Muay Thai and later transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
He made his UFC debut in 2006 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the middleweight division, winning his first UFC championship in 2007. Over the course of his career, Silva compiled a professional record of 34 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no-contest, and he is widely recognized for his exceptional striking and technical prowess.
He held the UFC middleweight championship for a record-setting 2,457 days and defended his title 10 times before losing it to Chris Weidman in 2013. Silva is also one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with reported earnings of $18 million and a net worth of $18 million. His legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history is secure, and he continues to be an inspiration to aspiring fighters all over the world.
6. Alistair Overeem
Alistair Overeem is a retired Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer who is widely recognized as one of the most decorated combat sports athletes of all time. Born on May 17, 1980, in Hounslow, England, Overeem began his combat sports career as a kickboxer and won multiple championships in organizations such as K-1, Strikeforce, and Dream.
In 2011, Overeem made his UFC debut and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division, using his size, strength, and striking skills to overpower opponents in the Octagon.
He challenged for the UFC heavyweight championship in 2016 but fell short to Stipe Miocic. Despite retiring from the sport in 2021, Overeem remains one of the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with estimated earnings of $9 million and a reported net worth of $10 million. Overeem’s legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected combat sports athletes of his generation is secure, and he continues to be an inspiration to fighters all over the world.
7. Jon Jones
Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters
Jon Jones is an American mixed martial artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York, Jones began his martial arts training in wrestling and later transitioned to MMA.
He made his UFC debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the light heavyweight division, winning his first UFC championship in 2011.
Over the course of his career, Jones compiled a professional record of 26 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no-contest, and he is widely recognized for his exceptional striking, grappling, and technical prowess. He held the UFC light heavyweight championship for a record-setting 2,204 days and defended his title 11 times before vacating the title in 2020.
Despite controversies outside of the Octagon, Jones remains one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with estimated earnings of $10 million and a reported net worth of $10 million. His legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history is secure, and he continues to be a polarizing figure in the world of combat sports.
8. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC women’s bantamweight champion who is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of women’s MMA. Born on February 1, 1987, in Riverside, California, Rousey began her martial arts training in judo and later transitioned to MMA. She made her UFC debut in 2013 and quickly established herself as a dominant force in the women’s bantamweight division, winning her first UFC championship in the same year.
Over the course of her career, Rousey compiled a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, and she is widely recognized for her exceptional grappling skills and aggressive fighting style.
She held the UFC women’s bantamweight championship for 1,074 days and defended her title 6 times before losing it to Holly Holm in 2015. Rousey is also one of the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with estimated earnings of $14 million and a reported net worth of $13 million. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women’s MMA is secure, and she continues to be an inspiration to aspiring female fighters all over the world.
9. Nate Diaz
Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters in The World
Nate Diaz is an American mixed martial artist who is widely recognized for his exceptional striking and submission skills in the UFC lightweight division. Born on April 16, 1985, in Stockton, California, Diaz began his martial arts training at a young age and later transitioned to MMA. He made his UFC debut in 2007 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite for his exciting fighting style and colourful personality.
Over the course of his career, Diaz has compiled a professional record of 20 wins and 13 losses, and he is widely recognized for his exceptional endurance and toughness inside the Octagon. He is perhaps best known for his two epic bouts against Conor McGregor, both of which became two of the highest-grossing pay-per-view events in UFC history.
Diaz’s popularity has also made him one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with estimated earnings of $11 million and a reported net worth of $8 million. Despite his occasional absences from the sport, Diaz continues to be a fan favourite and a major draw for the UFC.
10. Junior Dos Santos
Top Earning UFC Fighters in The World
Junior Dos Santos is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist who is widely recognized for his exceptional striking skills in the UFC heavyweight division. Born on January 30, 1984, in Cacador, Brazil, Dos Santos began his martial arts training in boxing and later transitioned to MMA.
He made his UFC debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight division, winning his first UFC championship in 2011. Over the course of his career, Dos Santos compiled a professional record of 21 wins and 9 losses, and he is widely recognized for his exceptional knockout power and precise striking. He held the UFC heavyweight championship for 413 days and defended his title twice before losing it to Cain Velasquez in 2012.
Despite his retirement from the sport in 2021, Dos Santos remains one of the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world, with estimated earnings of $11 million and a reported net worth of $12 million. His legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in UFC history is secure, and he continues to be a respected figure in the world of combat sports.
FAQs About The Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters in The World
Who Is The Richest UFC Fighter in The World?
The richest UFC fighter in the world is Conor McGregor, an Irish mixed martial artist who has amassed a fortune both inside and outside of the Octagon. McGregor has been involved in some of the biggest fights in UFC history, including his legendary bouts against Nate Diaz and his title-winning performance against Jose Aldo. In addition to his fighting career, McGregor has also ventured into the world of business and entertainment, with a whiskey brand and various sponsorship deals.
According to Forbes, McGregor earned $180 million in 2020, which includes his share of the profits from his fight against Donald Cerrone and other business ventures.
This makes him not only the highest-paid UFC fighter but also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. As of 2021, McGregor’s estimated net worth is approximately $220 million, making him one of the wealthiest combat sports athletes of all time.
Who Is The Highest Paid UFC Fighter in The World?
The highest-paid UFC fighter in the world is Conor McGregor, an Irish mixed martial artist who has been involved in some of the biggest fights in UFC history. McGregor’s estimated earnings for his UFC fights alone total over $115 million. He also earns a significant amount from endorsements, sponsorships, and his own businesses.
In 2020, McGregor earned $48 million from his UFC 246 fight against Donald Cerrone, making it one of the highest-grossing pay-per-view events in UFC history. He also earned a reported $5 million from his UFC 257 fight against Dustin Poirier. McGregor’s total earnings for the year, including business ventures and endorsements, were estimated to be $180 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
While McGregor is currently retired from MMA competition, he remains one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in combat sports and continues to earn significant amounts of money from his businesses and endorsement deals.
How do UFC Fighters Make Money?
UFC fighters make money through a combination of their fight purses, performance bonuses, and sponsorship deals.
Fight Purses: A fighter’s purse is the guaranteed amount of money that they will receive for their fight. This amount is negotiated between the fighter and the UFC and is typically based on the fighter’s popularity, ranking, and performance history.
Performance Bonuses: Fighters can earn additional money through performance bonuses, which are awarded by the UFC for exceptional performances. These bonuses include “Fight of the Night”, “Knockout of the Night”, and “Submission of the Night”, and are often awarded to fighters who put on exciting and memorable performances.
Sponsorship Deals: UFC fighters can also earn money through sponsorship deals with various companies. These deals typically involve fighters wearing the company’s logo during the fight, as well as making appearances and promoting the company’s products.
In the past, fighters were able to have multiple sponsors on their shorts during the fight, but the UFC now has an exclusive apparel deal with Reebok, limiting the number of sponsors fighters can have on their shorts.
Additionally, some UFC fighters can earn a percentage of pay-per-view revenue for certain events, depending on the terms of their contract. Overall, the amount of money a UFC fighter can earn depends on various factors, including their popularity, skill level, and marketability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters in the World have achieved great success in their careers, both in the Octagon and in terms of their earnings. These fighters have demonstrated their skill, dedication, and resilience in the face of formidable opponents, and have garnered legions of fans around the world.
From Conor McGregor to Nate Diaz, these fighters have not only earned impressive fight purses and bonuses but have also secured lucrative sponsorship deals and endorsements. The UFC has continued to grow in popularity and revenue, and with it, the potential for fighters to earn significant amounts of money.
As the sport of mixed martial arts continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which fighters rise to the top of the ranks and become the highest-paid UFC fighters in the world. One thing is for sure, however: the UFC will continue to provide a platform for talented and dedicated athletes to showcase their skills and earn the recognition and rewards they deserve.
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SOURCE: Forbes, Bleachers Reports