The UFC's top earners combine athletic excellence with marketability to achieve seven-figure payouts per fight. Earnings consist of guaranteed purses, win bonuses, Pay-Per-View (PPV) points, and undisclosed incentive pay.
The Heavy Hitters: UFC's Top Earners
- Conor McGregor: The benchmark. His purse for UFC 264 vs. Poirier was a $3M guarantee, but PPV points pushed his estimated total earnings near $30M+. His financial peak remains the $85M+ reported from the Mayweather boxing match.
- Jon Jones: The top active earner. His UFC 285 return vs. Gane featured a $3M guarantee, with substantial PPV points leading to an estimated $15M+ total payout. Negotiations for significant fights often demand $15M+.
- Georges St-Pierre (GSP): His 2017 comeback at UFC 217 vs. Bisping included a $2.5M purse plus PPV points, reportedly earning him over $10M total. His legacy draws top dollar.
- Israel Adesanya: As a dominant champion, his UFC 287 fight vs. Pereira featured a $1M base purse (with win bonus). PPV points likely drove the total to $7M+ or higher for championship bouts.
- Jorge Masvidal: Benefited massively from the BMF title and Diaz/Kimbo hype. His UFC 251 title fight vs. Usman earned him a $500k guarantee, but PPV points were estimated to bring total earnings to $5M+.
How UFC Fighters Earn Big Like Pros
- PPV Points: Reserved for champions & top draws. Fighters earn a share of PPV revenue, often exceeding their guaranteed purse significantly. This requires high-profile matchups that sell.
- Star Power & Drawing Ability: Building a massive fanbase is crucial. Fighters like McGregor and Jones command huge purses because their fights generate immense revenue. Charisma and entertainment value are monetized.
- Leverage Through Title Reigns & Wins: Dominant champions and top contenders have greater negotiating power. Winning streaks and championships increase market value.
- Negotiation & Representation:
- Smart Sponsorships & Business Ventures:
Skilled management is essential for securing favorable contract terms, including higher guarantees and PPV share percentages.
While UFC controls octagon sponsorships, fighters maximize income through personal endorsements, merchandise, and business investments outside the cage.
Reaching the top tier of UFC earnings demands championship-caliber skill combined with exceptional marketability and strategic career management. Consistently headlining major PPV events is the primary path to multi-million dollar paydays.
