Who Is the Highest Paid UFC Fighter? Top 10 Richest Stars

When it comes to combat sports, fans always wonder who the highest paid UFC fighter is and how much they earn inside and outside the Octagon. Over the years, the UFC has produced global icons whose paychecks go far beyond fight night. The richest UFC fighter doesn’t just rely on purses but also makes millions through sponsorships, endorsements, and business ventures. While not every highest paid fighter in the UFC becomes a crossover star, the top names on this list have made fortunes. Let’s dive into the highest paid UFC fighter in the world and see who tops the rankings in 2025.

How We Ranked the Top 10 Highest Paid UFC Fighters

To determine who makes it onto our list of the highest paid UFC fighters, we didn’t just look at fight purses. Fighter wealth and income come from a variety of sources, and the richest UFC fighter is usually someone who maximizes earnings across multiple channels. Here are the factors we considered in detail:

• Official Fight Purses and Disclosed Earnings

Every time a fighter steps inside the Octagon, they are guaranteed a base pay, and in many cases, a win bonus. While these amounts are disclosed to athletic commissions, some top-tier stars negotiate special contracts that significantly increase their payouts. Fighters like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are examples of those whose fight purses put them among the highest paid fighters in the UFC.

• Pay-Per-View (PPV) Revenue Share

The biggest money-maker in UFC history is pay-per-view sales. Fighters who can draw huge audiences often negotiate a percentage of PPV revenue. This is where the gap between regular athletes and the richest UFC fighter becomes massive. For example, McGregor has earned tens of millions from PPV cuts, making him the highest paid UFC fighter in the world.

• Sponsorships and Endorsements

Outside of fighting, many UFC stars earn millions through global sponsorships and brand partnerships. From apparel deals with Reebok (earlier) to personal endorsements with global companies, the UFC’s biggest stars often make more money outside the Octagon than inside it. The highest paid UFC fighter usually has the biggest sponsorship portfolio.

• Business Ventures and Assets

Another key factor is business success. The richest UFC fighter often invests in businesses, own luxury assets, or create brands of their own. Conor McGregor’s whiskey company, Proper No. Twelve, is a prime example of how a fighter can become the highest paid fighter in the UFC through ventures beyond fighting.

• Social Media Influence and Popularity

In today’s era, popularity drives income. A fighter with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok can command higher sponsorship rates, generate PPV buys, and build a global fanbase. This influence is critical when identifying who the highest paid UFC fighter in the world really is, since popularity often translates directly into revenue opportunities.

Top 10 Highest Paid UFC Fighters

The UFC has seen several stars become millionaires, but only a few can be called the highest paid UFC fighter. These athletes have dominated both inside the cage and in the world of business. Below is the ranking from 10 to 1:

#10: Dustin Poirier (USA)

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier has been one of the UFC’s most consistent and respected fighters. With career earnings surpassing $10 million, Poirier is comfortably among the highest paid UFC fighters. His trilogy with Conor McGregor brought him record-breaking payouts, making him one of the top earners in the lightweight division. Poirier also profits from his “Good Fight Foundation” charity and his successful hot sauce brand, adding extra income outside the cage. While he isn’t the richest UFC fighter, his mix of fight purses, PPV bonuses, and sponsorships ensures his spot on the list of the highest paid fighters in the UFC.

#9: Max Holloway (USA)

Max Holloway, the former UFC Featherweight Champion, is one of the most durable and entertaining fighters in UFC history. With an estimated net worth of around $5 million, he consistently ranks among the highest paid UFC fighters. Holloway’s career highlights include thrilling battles with Alexander Volkanovski and a dominant win over Calvin Kattar, which cemented his reputation as a PPV draw. While not the richest UFC fighter, his earning power through bonuses, fight purses, and endorsements proves his longevity. He remains a fan favorite and one of the highest paid fighters in the UFC year after year.

#8: Ilia Topuria (Spain)

Ilia Topuria is a fast-rising star who has already broken into the conversation of the highest paid UFC fighters after winning the featherweight belt. His undefeated record and growing international fan base make him one of the UFC’s most marketable new champions. With sponsorships in Europe and Latin America, Topuria has become a brand ambassador while also cashing in on PPV bonuses. Though not yet the richest UFC fighter, he is steadily climbing in wealth and influence. Many experts predict Topuria will soon become one of the most bankable names among the highest paid fighters in the UFC.

#7: Alex Pereira (Brazil)

Alex Pereira, the former kickboxing champion, has taken the UFC by storm with his knockout power. As a two-division UFC champion, Pereira has quickly earned his place among the highest paid UFC fighters. His headline fights generate massive PPV buys, and his endorsement deals boost his income significantly. Although he’s not yet the richest UFC fighter, Pereira’s quick rise and global appeal have positioned him as one of the UFC’s most bankable stars. His consistent performances and dominance ensure his spot as one of the highest paid fighters in the UFC today.

#6: Israel Adesanya (Nigeria/New Zealand)

Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya is a global superstar, widely recognized beyond MMA. A former UFC Middleweight Champion, Adesanya earns millions per fight through purses, PPV bonuses, and major endorsement deals with Puma, Engage, and other global brands. That makes him one of the highest paid UFC fighters in the world. While McGregor and Khabib sit above him, Adesanya still ranks among the richest UFC fighters due to his crossover appeal. His charisma and fight style make him one of the highest paid fighters in the UFC, with a career destined to grow even more financially.

#5: Sean O’Malley (USA)

Sean “Suga” O’Malley is not just the UFC Bantamweight Champion but also one of the most marketable names in the sport. Known for his flashy fighting style and huge social media presence, O’Malley is already among the highest paid UFC fighters. His earnings per fight now reach several million dollars, boosted by merchandise sales and sponsorships. While he isn’t yet the richest UFC fighter, O’Malley’s popularity guarantees his place as one of the most profitable athletes in MMA. His ability to attract younger fans makes him one of the most valuable names among the highest paid fighters in the UFC.

#4: Jon Jones (USA)

Jon “Bones” Jones is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, and his income matches his reputation. With career earnings over $7 million from disclosed purses, Jones is among the highest paid UFC fighters ever. He benefits heavily from PPV bonuses and remains a massive draw, especially at heavyweight. Although controversies slowed parts of his career, Jones has secured endorsements and high-value contracts. While he isn’t the richest UFC fighter, his consistent dominance makes him one of the highest paid fighters in the UFC to this day.

#3: Khabib Nurmagomedov (Russia)

Even after retiring undefeated, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to rank among the highest paid UFC fighters of all time. With endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and his Eagle FC promotion, Khabib’s wealth has surpassed $40 million. This makes him one of the richest UFC fighters in history. His legacy as an undefeated champion still draws revenue, proving that Khabib remains one of the most influential and financially successful fighters in MMA. He will always be remembered as one of the highest paid UFC fighters in the world.

#2: Islam Makhachev (Russia)

Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, has quickly become one of the highest paid UFC fighters in the world. Following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib, Makhachev has defended his belt in high-profile fights, earning millions through purses and PPV shares. His dominance inside the Octagon, combined with growing sponsorship deals in the Middle East and Russia, has cemented his spot among the richest UFC fighters today. With his popularity continuing to soar, Islam is widely seen as one of the most profitable and marketable names among the highest paid fighters in the UFC.

#1: Conor McGregor (Ireland)

Conor McGregor is, without question, the highest paid UFC fighter in the world. With a staggering net worth of $200 million, he is also the richest UFC fighter ever. McGregor’s record-breaking PPV fights, Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand and major sponsorships with global companies have made him a global icon. He remains the benchmark for financial success in combat sports and the ultimate highest paid fighter in the UFC, setting a standard unlikely to be matched anytime soon.