Fighting in the UFC might look like a fast track to fame and fortune, but the reality isn’t always what it seems. While a handful of big-name fighters pull in millions, the majority of the roster earns far less, often juggling side gigs or struggling to make ends meet.
This blog breaks down exactly what UFC fighters earn, from base pay to bonuses, and. sponsorships. If you’re curious about where the money flows in MMA, stick around.
Let’s find out!
How Much Does UFC Fighters Make
The truth is, most MMA fighters don’t make much money. Entry-level fighters in the UFC, the sport’s biggest stage, typically earn between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight. That’s before taxes, coaching fees, gym fees, and other expenses.
For example, at UFC 298 in February 2024, Rinya Nakamura made $46,000, which included a win bonus. It sounds decent until you consider how much of that goes to the people in their corner and everyday bills.
Here’s an earnings breakdown of UFC fighters as of 2023-2024:
| Earnings Tier | Typical Earnings per Fight |
|---|---|
| Low Tier | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Medium Tier | $80,000 – $250,000 |
| High Tier | $500,000 – $3,000,000 |
Mid-tier fighters do better, but they’re still far from rich. Someone like Bo Nickal earned $200,000 at UFC 309 in November 2024. This included base pay and sponsorship money. While it’s a solid payout, these fighters don’t fight every weekend. Most compete two to four times a year, depending on their health and the UFC’s schedule. To make ends meet, many rely on sponsorships, endorsements, or side jobs.
At the top, though, the money gets serious. Champions and big-name fighters like Jon Jones earn millions. Jones secured a $5 million guaranteed purse at UFC 309, with additional pay-per-view cuts and bonuses boosting his earnings even further.
Speaking of bonuses, the UFC offers $50,000 awards for “Performance of the Night” and “Fight of the Night.” At UFC 298, Ilia Topuria pocketed one for his knockout win.
Yet even with these payouts, fighter compensation remains controversial—UFC only allocates 16-20% of its revenue to fighters, far below the 50% split seen in leagues like the NBA or NFL.
For most fighters, MMA is more about passion than paychecks. If you want to see know the highest paying fighters of UFC, check the below list.
Top 10 Highest-Paid UFC Fighters
1. Conor McGregor
Total Earnings: $39.3 million
McGregor, known for his striking skills and charisma, has headlined multiple high-grossing pay-per-view events, significantly boosting his earnings.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Total Earnings: $22.9 million
Retiring undefeated, Nurmagomedov’s dominant performances and global appeal have contributed to his substantial income.
3. Alistair Overeem
Total Earnings: $15.4 million
Overeem’s long career in MMA, including significant fights in the UFC heavyweight division, has earned him considerable payouts.
4. Andrei Arlovski
Total Earnings: $15.3 million
Arlovski’s longevity in the sport and numerous bouts in the heavyweight division have contributed to his high earnings.
5. Anderson Silva
Total Earnings: $13.5 million
Silva’s reign as UFC Middleweight Champion and his reputation as one of the greatest mixed martial artists have led to substantial earnings.
6. Michael Bisping
Total Earnings: $11.1 million
Bisping’s career, highlighted by winning the UFC Middleweight Championship, has been financially rewarding.
7. Junior Dos Santos
Total Earnings: $10.9 million
As a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Dos Santos has participated in several high-profile fights, enhancing his earnings.
8. Georges St-Pierre
Total Earnings: $10.6 million
St-Pierre’s status as a two-division champion and one of the sport’s biggest stars has led to significant financial success.
9. Jon Jones
Total Earnings: $10.6 million
Jones’s dominance in the light heavyweight division and recent move to heavyweight have been lucrative.
10. Donald Cerrone
Total Earnings: $9.3 million
Cerrone’s willingness to fight frequently and against top competition has resulted in substantial cumulative earnings.
Here are the top 10 highest-paid UFC fighters based on their career earnings as of 2024:
| Rank | Fighter | Career Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conor McGregor | $39,300,000 |
| 2 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | $22,900,000 |
| 3 | Alistair Overeem | $15,400,500 |
| 4 | Anderson Silva | $13,500,000 |
| 5 | Andrei Arlovski | $11,200,000 |
| 6 | Michael Bisping | $11,100,000 |
| 7 | Junior Dos Santos | $11,000,000 |
| 8 | Georges St-Pierre | $10,950,000 |
| 9 | Jon Jones | $10,900,000 |
| 10 | Donald Cerrone | $10,600,000 |
