Mixed martial arts is without a doubt the fastest-growing sport in terms of the global fan base. This expansion also provided fans with the opportunity to gamble on their favorite competitors via MMA odds. The UFC, the world’s largest MMA sport at the moment, is at the forefront of this rapid rise. The organization’s profits, which are used to pay the high-level athletes competing under the banner, have risen in tandem with its ascent.
Who is the well-paid UFC fighter of all time? We have compiled a list of the top five UFC fighters, who are also recurring names in UFC fight odds, along with their total predicted career earnings (not including the Pay-Per-View earnings and other endorsements).
Conor McGregor – $20,102,000
Surprising, isn’t it? In terms of fight earnings, the former two-division Cage Warriors and UFC champion is the best MMA fighter in the world. Aside from being a titleholder, a few fighters hope to face McGregor in order to get their highest career payday.
This is not surprising given that Conor McGregor is the most well-known figure in the MMA industry, owing to his colorful personality, which has made him the most sought-after athlete to watch. His compensation rises with each battle he participates in.
Following his Featherweight championship victory over Jose Aldo in December 2015, the Irishman has secured a substantial seven-figure payday since facing Nate Diaz. Despite losing back-to-back against Dustin Poirier, the “Notorious” took home $10,022,000 in total, $5,011,000 apiece. He is currently being paid by UFC $37 million (2020-2022).
Khabib Nurmagomedov – $14,770,000
Unlike Conor McGregor’s stratospheric climb in earnings, Khabib Nurmagomedov required eight UFC fights before he tasted six-figure compensation. The “Eagle” earned $215,000 for defeating Edson Barboza at UFC 219, followed by a $500,000 check for his Lightweight championship victory against Al Iaquinta in April 2018.
His first million-dollar fight ($2,040,000) came against McGregor at UFC 229, when he submitted him in the fourth round. He subsequently finished his professional career with victories against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, earning a total of $12,180,000 for both fights. After this fight he retired himself as he don’t wana come out to the ring without his dad.his Dad death is unreducible & Khabib wants no more fights now, as he remains undefeated 29-0-0 wins (13 in the UFC).
Alistair Overeem – more than $15-20m
Alistair Overeem’s fighter pay has been set by an outstanding UFC debut win over Brock Lesnar in 2011, and he has never earned a cheque less than six figures during his time in the UFC.
He earned $860,000 for his three greatest fights, against Francis Ngannou in December 2017, Curtis Blaydes in June 2018, and Sergei Pavlovich in November 2018. He earned $495,724.9 per fight with the UFC on average. He is currently being paid by UFC more than $15-20m.
Andrei Arlovski – $10,631,000
Despite not earning his entire career revenue with the UFC, veteran fighter Andrei Arlovski made the majority of his riches through the Las Vegas-based organization, earning an average of $232,580.6. The highest compensation from the UFC for the 42-year-old Belarusian was his recent win over Carlos Felipe last month for UFC Fight Night: Ladd versus Dumont.
Andrei’s epic loss to Fedor Emelianenko in 2009 was his highest single bout pay of $1,500,000 with Affliction. He is currently being paid by UFC $10,631,000.
Anderson Silva – $8,732,000
Although Anderson Silva never received a seven-figure compensation from a UFC fight, he only required three battles to reach the six-figure threshold and has since never been paid less than $200,000 for every trip inside the Octagon.
The “Spider” earned his highest bout pay when he faced Derek Brunson at UFC 208 in February 2017, owing primarily to his $200,000 victory bonus. Silva earned an average of $620,025 in 25 fights. He is currently being paid by UFC $8,732,000.