Bout Money: How MMA Became the Fastest Sport to Produce Millionaire Athletes

1. "The Notorious" Conor McGregor

Estimated Total Earnings: $40+ Million (£31+ Million)

Weight Class: Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight

Money and Conor McGregor are synonymous in MMA. McGregor’s massive appeal and headline fights, including record-breaking PPV events, have made him the highest-paid UFC fighter. His unique personality and talent generated unparalleled fan engagement and earnings, setting new standards for income in the sport. A key driver of McGregor's success was the overwhelming support he received from the Irish community, both at home and abroad. Irish fans turned out in droves to support him, transforming arenas worldwide into “home games” with their energetic presence and passion. This Irish fanbase has been instrumental in driving his popularity, making him not only a UFC star but a cultural icon.

2. Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey

Estimated Total Earnings: $18+ Million (£14+ Million)

Weight Class: Women’s Bantamweight

Ronda Rousey is a true pioneer in women’s MMA and the first mainstream breakout superstar in the UFC. As the UFC’s first women’s world champion, she shattered barriers and opened doors for female fighters in a sport that was once male-dominated. Rousey’s success not only paved the way for women’s divisions in the UFC but also inspired countless future female fighters to pursue their dreams, showing them that they could build a successful, lucrative career in the UFC. Her fan base grew rapidly as she headlined multiple high-profile PPVs, drawing in audiences from around the world with her undeniable skill and charismatic persona.

3. Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov

Estimated Total Earnings: $15+ Million (£11+ Million)

Weight Class: Lightweight

Undefeated in his UFC career, Khabib Nurmagomedov is celebrated for his relentless dominance and unparalleled grappling skills, making him one of the most respected fighters in MMA history. Known for his extraordinary ground control and suffocating wrestling style, Khabib left a lasting mark on the lightweight division with his ability to neutralize and overpower opponents. His disciplined approach and uncompromising dedication to his training and faith set him apart, and his reputation for humility and respect resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Beyond the UFC, Khabib has a massive and devoted fan following in Russia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, where his values and achievements in the Octagon are celebrated as sources of pride.

4. Jon "Bones" Jones

Estimated Total Earnings: $14+ Million (£11+ Million)

Weight Class: Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight

Jon Jones is widely considered one of the most talented and technically gifted fighters in MMA history. As a long-time champion of the light heavyweight division, Jones dominated with a combination of exceptional reach, diverse striking, and powerful wrestling. His ability to seamlessly blend different aspects of martial arts made him nearly unbeatable in the Octagon, and his unique style and fight IQ have led him to victory against some of the toughest competitors in UFC history. Jones first claimed the light heavyweight title in 2011, becoming the youngest champion in UFC history at just 23 years old. His career was marked by an impressive series of title defenses and rivalries which generated some of the UFC’s biggest PPV numbers. These rivalries, along with his extraordinary skills, made Jones a consistent PPV draw and a staple in main events, contributing to his status as one of the highest-earning fighters.

5. Georges "Rush" St-Pierre

Estimated Total Earnings: $12+ Million (£9+ Million)

Weight Class: Welterweight and Middleweight

Georges St-Pierre, widely known as GSP, is one of the most respected and accomplished fighters in the history of the UFC. With an impressive career defined by discipline, dedication, and technical mastery, GSP’s reign as the welterweight champion was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence. GSP’s popularity extended far beyond his home country of Canada, where he is celebrated as a national hero. His vast Canadian fanbase, coupled with his clean-cut image and humble personality, made him a globally admired figure in MMA. GSP's fights consistently drew massive PPV numbers, with fans tuning in to witness his skillful performances and his respectful, sportsmanlike demeanor. GSP’s long-standing success and reputation for professionalism also drew high-profile sponsorships, and his influence helped elevate the sport’s mainstream appeal. Outside the Octagon, he has been a role model for aspiring fighters and has used his platform to promote health, fitness, and martial arts values, further cementing his legacy.

6. Brock Lesnar

Estimated Total Earnings: $10+ Million (£8+ Million)

Weight Class: Heavyweight

Brock Lesnar’s unique crossover from WWE to the UFC made him one of the most fascinating and influential figures in MMA. Already a massive star in professional wrestling, Lesnar brought his larger-than-life persona and incredible athleticism to the Octagon, capturing the attention of both MMA fans and WWE followers. His debut in the UFC was met with intense curiosity and excitement, and his transition proved to be a major success, establishing him as one of the biggest pay-per-view draws in UFC history. Within a year of his UFC debut, Lesnar captured the heavyweight title. Lesnar’s fights became major PPV events, drawing record-breaking numbers. Fans were captivated by his intense presence, his rivalries with fighters and his ability to generate drama both inside and outside the cage. Although his MMA career was relatively brief, each of his fights was a headline event, leading to significant payouts and cementing his legacy as one of the sport's biggest attractions.

7. Anderson "The Spider" Silva

Estimated Total Earnings: $9+ Million (£7+ Million)

Weight Class: Middleweight and Light Heayweight

Anderson "The Spider" Silva didn’t just dominate his opponents—he revolutionized the sport of MMA, which played a huge role in making him one of the highest-paid fighters in UFC history. His exciting, unpredictable fighting style and impressive title reign attracted fans around the world and drove massive pay-per-view (PPV) numbers. Known for his unmatched precision and creativity, Silva became the kind of fighter fans would pay to watch, win or lose. Silva's ability to entertain while demonstrating extraordinary skill made him a valuable asset to the UFC, elevating his earning potential with each fight. Silva’s dominant middleweight title reign, which spanned nearly seven years and included a UFC-record 16-fight win streak, drew huge interest and became a cornerstone of UFC events.

8. Michael "The Count" Bisping

Estimated Total Earnings: $8+ Million (£6+ Million)

Weight Class: Middleweight

Michael Bisping’s career in the UFC is a testament to perseverance, grit, and the power of a loyal fanbase. Bisping was a fighter who never backed down and consistently took on the toughest opponents in the middleweight division. His lengthy tenure in the UFC, combined with his unrelenting determination to reach the top, helped him build a large and devoted following, particularly in his native United Kingdom. As the first British fighter to win a UFC championship, Bisping became a national hero, with his UK fanbase tuning in to support him and boosting his PPV numbers, particularly in European markets. Bisping’s earnings were largely driven by his enduring career, which spanned over a decade in the UFC. His outspoken personality, charisma, and willingness to fight anyone, anytime made him a compelling figure in the sport. Known for his trash talk and rivalry-building, Bisping often headlined events, particularly in Europe, where he was a major draw. His appeal wasn’t limited to just his home country—his work ethic and never-say-die attitude resonated with fans worldwide. This combination of personality and longevity kept him in the spotlight and contributed to consistent pay-per-view sales and high event payouts.

9. Daniel "DC" Cormier

Estimated Total Earnings: $7+ Million (£5+ Million)

Weight Class: Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight

Daniel Cormier, often referred to as “DC,” brought both elite skill and Olympic-caliber wrestling credentials to the UFC, helping him become one of the highest-paid and most respected athletes in the sport. A former Olympic wrestler, Cormier’s transition to MMA brought instant credibility and high expectations. Known for his charisma, sportsmanship, and quick wit, Cormier became a fan favorite early on, combining his world-class wrestling skills with a relatable, down-to-earth personality that resonated with audiences.Cormier’s unique appeal as an athlete and ambassador for the sport, combined with his two-division championship status, positioned him as a natural PPV headliner. His rivalry with Jon Jones, one of the most talked-about rivalries in MMA history, drew massive interest and PPV buys. Their highly publicized fights and intense build-up generated some of the UFC’s biggest paydays, as fans eagerly tuned in to see the two champions clash. Despite their rivalry, Cormier’s class and respect toward his opponents, along with his humble personality, won him a loyal fanbase and made him a consistent draw on UFC cards.

10. “The Last Stylebender” Israel Adesanya

Estimated Total Earnings: $6+ Million (£4+ Million)

Weight Class: Middleweight and Light Heavyweight

Israel Adesanya quickly rose to become one of the highest-paid fighters in the UFC, captivating fans with his electrifying striking style, unique personality, and an aura that sets him apart from others in the sport. Known for his precision striking and unorthodox movement, Adesanya’s fights are a masterclass in creativity and technique. His rapid climb to championship status and his undefeated streak at middleweight made him a headline attraction, while his outspoken personality and flashiness endeared him to fans and celebrities alike. Adesanya’s fanbase spans across multiple demographics, thanks in part to his strong connection to the anime community, which he regularly references in his fight entrances, interviews, and social media. Known to be a dedicated fan of shows like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z, Adesanya has brought a fresh, modern appeal to MMA, drawing in fans who might not typically follow the sport. His anime-inspired fight entrances, including his famous “Shadow Clone” entrance against Robert Whittaker, have become iconic moments that resonate with younger fans, adding to his marketability and helping him build a diverse, loyal following. His appeal extends beyond the anime community; Adesanya is also supported by high-profile celebrities who are drawn to his flashy style, authenticity, and fearless attitude in and out of the Octagon.