Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier mixed martial arts organization, has seen exponential growth in popularity and commercial success over the past few decades. Similar to boxing, many UFC fighters have managed to build impressive wealth portfolios from fight earnings, endorsements, and other ventures. Here’s a list of the top ten richest UFC athletes as of my knowledge cut-off in 2022.
Table: Richest UFC Athletes
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conor McGregor | $180 Million |
| 2 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | $40 Million |
| 3 | Georges St-Pierre | $30 Million |
| 4 | Anderson Silva | $18 Million |
| 5 | Ronda Rousey | $15 Million |
| 6 | Jon Jones | $12 Million |
| 7 | Brock Lesnar | $10 Million |
| 8 | Nate Diaz | $8 Million |
| 9 | Alistair Overeem | $7 Million |
| 10 | Daniel Cormier | $6 Million |
1. Conor McGregor: $180 Million
Undoubtedly the most recognizable face in the UFC, McGregor’s charisma and fighting prowess have seen him earn significant sums from fight purses, endorsements, and his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov: $40 Million
Khabib’s undefeated record in the Octagon, combined with high-profile matches against fighters like McGregor, have made him one of the most bankable stars in the UFC.
3. Georges St-Pierre: $30 Million
Widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, GSP’s lengthy championship reigns and star power have earned him substantial wealth over the years.
4. Anderson Silva: $18 Million
Silva’s status as one of the best middleweights ever, coupled with big-money fights and endorsements, has cemented his place on this list.
5. Ronda Rousey: $15 Million
Before venturing into WWE and Hollywood, Rousey was the face of women’s MMA. Her trailblazing UFC career brought her both championships and considerable wealth.
6. Jon Jones: $12 Million
Despite controversies outside the cage, Jones’ dominant run in the UFC’s light heavyweight division has seen him earn substantial fight purses and endorsements.
7. Brock Lesnar: $10 Million
Lesnar’s crossover appeal, given his stints in WWE and the UFC, ensured he was always part of big-money fights, leading to a hefty net worth.
8. Nate Diaz: $8 Million
Diaz, a cult favorite, significantly boosted his earnings with two high-profile fights against McGregor, elevating his financial status.
9. Alistair Overeem: $7 Million
Overeem’s extensive MMA career, which spans multiple organizations and countries, has seen him accumulate wealth through consistent performances and bonuses.
10. Daniel Cormier: $6 Million
The former two-division champion, Cormier, has not only earned from his fights but also from his role as a commentator and analyst for the UFC.
Conclusion
From Octagon legends to crossover superstars, these ten athletes have made waves both in the fight game and in the world of finance. Their success stories are a testament to the ever-growing commercial appeal of mixed martial arts, inspiring fighters everywhere to chase both championships and financial prosperity.
Read More: How Much Do UFC Fighters Make in One Championship? What Money Do They Garner from PPV Fights