UFC fighters are some of the toughest athletes in the world, and MMA’s rapid rise has made the sport a global phenomenon.
At the forefront is the UFC, where fighters can rake in serious money, though only a select few reach the massive paydays enjoyed by stars like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Anderson Silva.
While many fighters struggle to achieve these heights, understanding who the biggest earners are can provide valuable insight if you’re looking to bet on UFC bouts.
Fighters negotiate their base salaries, which range widely based on factors like experience, performance, and popularity.
Pay tiers start at around $10,000 per fight, but the top stars pull in anywhere from $500,000 to $3,000,000 per bout.
However, these payments don’t include bonuses, endorsements, or other lucrative deals that can significantly boost a fighter’s income.
Let’s take a look at the five highest-paid UFC fighters of all time and see how they built their fortunes.
5. Andrei Arlovski – $11.2 million
The Belarusian-American heavyweight, Arlovski, has had an extensive career spanning decades. Starting his UFC journey at just 20 years old, Arlovski fought in 58 matches, claiming victory in 34 of them.
Beyond his base salary, Arlovski earned numerous bonuses for his performances, including the coveted “Performance of the Night” and “Fight of the Night” awards.
His longevity and consistent performances kept him a top earner in the sport.
4. Anderson Silva – $13.5 million
Anderson “The Spider” Silva is a UFC legend and former Middleweight Champion. Silva’s record-breaking title reign lasted over 2,457 days, during which he earned 16 consecutive victories.
Known for his unparalleled striking ability, Silva became a massive draw for Pay-Per-View events, further contributing to his earnings.
His legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time is matched by the financial rewards he amassed during his career.
3. Alistair Overeem – $15.4 million
Alistair Overeem, who retired in 2023, was known for his versatility in the octagon. With 47 wins under his belt—25 by knockout and 17 by submission—Overeem’s balanced fighting style earned him millions.
His frequent appearances and ability to draw crowds made him a consistent figure in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Despite his retirement, Overeem’s legacy and earnings place him firmly among the top UFC earners.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov – $22.9 million
Khabib Nurmagomedov, widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, made his name in the Lightweight division.
His perfect 29-0 record and his unforgettable victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229, which set a Pay-Per-View record with 2.4 million buys, cemented his place in UFC history.
Khabib’s discipline, wrestling prowess, and undefeated record helped him earn nearly $23 million, securing him the second spot on this list.
1. Conor McGregor – $39.3 million
No surprise here. Conor McGregor, known for his brash personality and remarkable fighting skills, tops the list as the UFC’s highest-paid fighter.
McGregor was the first UFC fighter to hold championships in two different weight classes simultaneously, and his high-profile bouts brought in huge Pay-Per-View numbers.
His crossover fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 earned him a massive payday, and while most of McGregor’s income comes from outside ventures, his UFC career alone has netted him over $39 million.
Despite a recent absence from the octagon, McGregor’s legacy and earnings keep him at the top of the UFC mountain.
As the UFC continues to grow, future stars may challenge these records, but for now, these five fighters have set the standard for financial success in the sport.
Whether you’re watching for entertainment or planning to bet on UFC, knowing the top earners adds an extra layer of intrigue to each bout.
