Top 8 UFC Highest Paid Fighters

See Which UFC Beasts Bank the Biggest Bucks (It’s Not Always Who You Think!)

UFC Fat Stacks

When you step into the Octagon, you’re not just fighting for legacy—you’re fighting for the payday. And some UFC fighters have mastered the art of combat and the business behind it. We’re not just talking about belts and bonuses—we’re talking serious dollars. So, who’s cashing out in the world of MMA? Let’s dive into the UFC’s highest-paid fighters and how they’ve turned bruises into big bank accounts.

From Conor McGregor’s crossover stardom to Jon Jones’ comeback checks, these are the highest-paid UFC fighters who’ve proven the fight game is just as much about negotiations as it is about knockouts.

Some of this is covered weekly on The UFC Show, where the biggest matchups, fighter earnings, and betting angles are broken down in real time.

The Money Behind the Madness

Before we get into the rankings, it’s worth breaking down how UFC fighters make their money. Yes, UFC fighters get paid even if they lose, but the real cash is made through base pay, win bonuses, pay-per-view points, performance incentives, and outside sponsorships. And if you’ve got a brand that can sell a fight, even better.

1. Conor McGregor – The Pay-Per-View King

No surprises here. McGregor is in a league of his own. At his peak, he was earning $3–5 million in base pay per fight, but when you factor in his pay-per-view points, it’s easy to see how he took home tens of millions. Add in his business ventures like Proper No. Twelve whiskey and brand deals, and he’s comfortably the highest UFC paid fighter of all time.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $25 million+
• Outside Income: Whiskey brand, endorsements, media appearances

2. Khabib Nurmagomedov – The Undefeated Draw

Khabib wasn’t in the UFC as long as some of the other big earners, but when he fought, the world watched. His fight with McGregor alone helped elevate his paycheck, and his dominant reign at lightweight made every appearance must-see.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $15 million+
• Post-UFC Moves: Promoting Eagle FC, coaching, sponsorships

3. Israel Adesanya – The Modern Marketing Machine

Adesanya has become one of the top PPV draws in recent years. With multiple title defenses and a flashy, fan-friendly style, Izzy’s base pay has grown with every fight. He’s also smart outside the cage, landing deals and building his presence.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $10 million+
• Extra Revenue: Endorsements, gaming features, YouTube content

4. Jon Jones – Controversy and Cash

Love him or hate him, Jon Jones is the greatest UFC fighter ever to grace an octagon. He’s been headlining cards for over a decade, and his return to heavyweight brought in one of the most lucrative contracts in UFC history. The talent—and the ticket sales—speak for themselves.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $15 million+
• Other Ventures: Endorsements, future heavyweight megafights

5. Anderson Silva – The Legacy Earner

Silva ruled the middleweight division during a time when UFC pay was lower, but his long reign and main event status still made him one of the sport’s biggest earners. And his post-UFC boxing matches have only added to the pot.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $8 million+
• Post-UFC: Celebrity boxing, film appearances, gym ownership

6. Ronda Rousey – The Game-Changer

Ronda wasn’t just the face of women’s MMA—she was the face of the UFC for a time. Her stardom opened doors for female fighters and helped the UFC reach new audiences. While her run was short, her impact and earnings were massive.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $4–5 million
• Post-UFC Career: WWE, acting, sponsorship deals

7. Georges St-Pierre – The Blueprint

GSP played the long game. A disciplined fighter with mainstream appeal, GSP was a consistent headliner. He also negotiated smart contracts and returned for one last massive payday when he defeated Michael Bisping in 2017.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $7 million+
• Post-Fight Focus: Speaking engagements, acting, business projects

8. Dustin Poirier – Hard Work Pays

Poirier didn’t start as a top earner, but his perseverance, highlight-worthy performances, and high-profile trilogy with McGregor changed that. Dustin negotiated better contracts and built a reputation that pays out every time he steps into the Octagon.

• Estimated UFC Earnings: $5 million+
• Off-Cage Activities: The Good Fight Foundation, product endorsements

How Do UFC Fighters Get Paid Per Fight?

A fighter’s earnings come down to their contract. Most UFC contracts include “show money” (just for fighting), win bonuses (if they win), and performance bonuses (Fight of the Night, etc.). The biggest earners also get PPV points, which means a cut of the event’s total sales—a game-changer for the top names.

How Does the UFC Make Most of Its Money?

The UFC’s primary revenue comes from pay-per-view events and broadcast rights. Sponsorships, merchandise, and live gate sales also play a role, but the biggest dollars come from stacking PPV cards and putting stars in the spotlight.

Branding Gets You Rich

The fight game has changed. Being one of the UFC’s highest-paid fighters isn’t just about wins—it’s about drawing power, personality, and smart business moves. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to MMA, watch how the money moves. Because in today’s UFC, talent gets you in the cage, but branding gets you rich.