Do you want to know who is the richest MMA fighter? Are you curious to know how much money the world’s top fighters have made? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
Rising fighter salaries are starting to reflect MMA’s rising profile among fans. For performing what they do best, the combatants are rewarded with astronomical sums of money. Most of them have also parlayed their wages into even more substantial fortunes by becoming highly successful business people.
Here, we look at the highest earners in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and reveal who holds the title as the wealthiest of them all.
⑳ Michael Bisping – Net Worth: $9 Million
British MMA star Michael Bisping is the 20th richest fighter in the sport. He has a net worth of $9 million. The former middleweight champion has earned most of his wealth from competing in the UFC, where he was one of the promotion’s most successful fighters for many years.
Michael Bisping is one of the most iconic figures in mixed martial arts (MMA). He has achieved legendary status as a competitor, with a career spanning more than 20 years. He entered The Ultimate Fighter 3 tournament in 2006 and finished runner-up, which helped propel him to fame.
Since then, he has fought some of the greatest names in MMA, including Anderson Silva and Luke Rockhold. In 2016 he became the first British UFC champion and cemented his place as an MMA legend.
Michael continues to be a key figure in the sport today, working as both a commentator on major events and an ambassador for the popular MMA promotion company Cage Warriors.
⑲ Jose Aldo – Net Worth: $9 Million
Former UFC Featherweight and Bantamweight champion Jose Aldo is the 19th richest MMA fighter. He has a net worth of $9 million. The Brazilian star achieved stardom after becoming the WEC featherweight champion in 2009, leading him to join the UFC before winning their title version.
Jose Aldo is one of the most decorated fighters in MMA. After making his debut in 2004, he quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the sport’s most successful competitors with a record-breaking streak of 18 consecutive wins.
In 2009, Aldo beat Mike Thomas Brown to become the WEC featherweight champion and cemented himself as an elite fighter. He shocked the world in 2015 when he knocked out Chad Mendes in just 14 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest knockout in UFC title bout history.
Despite his retirement earlier this year, Jose Aldo is still one of the most popular and successful athletes in MMA today. He will be remembered as one of the greatest fighters ever to grace the sport.
⑱ Junior Dos Santos – Net Worth: $10 Million
Junior Dos Santos is one of the most accomplished MMA fighters in history. With a professional record of 21-7 and 18 wins by knockout. He is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and one of the top contenders of his era.
Famed for his Muay Thai and boxing skills, ‘Cigano’ as he is known in Brazil, has found success in the octagon with his standup game. Having notable victories over names like Fabricio Werdum, Cain Velasquez, Frank Mir, and Stefan Struve.
More recently, at UFC 252, Dos Santos had a three-round war with Jairzinho Rozenstruik that ended in a split-decision victory for Dos Santos. His heart and resiliency were on full display during that fight and throughout his lengthy career. Junior Dos Santos has an estimated net worth of $10 Million.
⑰ Jon Bones Jones – Net Worth: $10 Million
Jon Bones Jones is one of the most well-known names in UFC history. Regarded as the smartest and most technical fighter of all time. Jones is considered by many to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
With a record of 26 wins, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. Jones has fought some of the toughest fighters in the sport and has yet to be defeated.
His keen understanding of MMA strategy has also earned him recognition as having some of the best fights IQ ever recorded for a fighter in his weight class. In addition to his undeniable skill in the octagon, Jon Bones Jones is widely respected for his good sportsmanship and humble attitude toward other fighters.
After being disqualified from the UFC and removed from the rankings for “Hit & Run” crimes, Jon “Bones” Jones was readmitted in 2015.
He has caused even more controversy by testing positive for ‘performance-enhancing substances’ after reclaiming the Light-Heavyweight belt in 2017. Despite this, he has managed to maintain his reputation as one of the greatest UFC fighters ever and is estimated to have a net worth of $10 Million.
⑯ Chael Sonnen – Net Worth: $10 Million
Chael Sonnen is one of the most famous and controversial figures in the world of MMA. With a professional record of 31 wins, 15 losses, and 1 no-contest, Chael has earned his reputation as one of the toughest fighters ever to step foot inside the octagon. He is renowned for his bombastic trash-talk and his ability to promote fights outside the cage.
Chael Sonnen’s career has been filled with numerous achievements, including a rivalry with Anderson Silva that spanned several years and two title shots at the UFC Middleweight Championship. He also holds victories over some of the most decorated fighters in MMA history, such as Mauricio Rua, Brian Stann, and Wanderlei Silva.
These accomplishments have earned Chael Sonnen a net worth of $10 Million and a lifetime of respect from MMA fans worldwide. Although he recently retired, the legacy “The American Gangster” left behind will be remembered for many years to come.
⑮ Frank Mir – Net Worth: $11 Million
Frank Mir is an American mixed martial artist who made a name for himself through his stints in both UFC and Bellator. During his time with UFC, Mir earned notable wins over the likes of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Brock Lesner, and Roy Nelson, becoming one of the few MMA fighters ever to receive multiple world championships.
Despite suffering numerous injuries throughout his career, he has repeatedly earned ‘Comeback Fighter of the Year honors. He continues to compete professionally as a part of Bellator’s heavyweight division. Now totaling 32 fights at this level with 23 wins.
He has gone above and beyond as an influence within MMA circles to become one of the sport’s iconic names over the past couple of decades.
Frank Mir holds an estimated net worth of $11 Million due to his highly successful career in the sport. He continues to be a major influence and will remain one of the most respected fighters MMA has ever seen.
⑭ Ronda Rousey – Net Worth: $12 Million
Ronda Rousey is an American mixed martial artist, judoka, and actress. She was the first female fighter to sign with UFC and is a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Rousey has generated significant media attention in WWE due to her accomplishments in amateur and professional sports.
An Olympic bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, she became the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion before signing with UFC. Later on, she earned recognition as the first Female MMA fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
During her run in WWE, Rousey moved from Mixed Martial Arts to full-time wrestling. She developed into one of their most popular Superstars.
Ronda Rousey’s successful MMA career and the numerous endorsements in recent years have earned her a net worth of $12 Million.
⑬ Quinton Rampage Jackson – Net Worth: $12 Million
American MMA fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is known for his eccentric character. Jackson, a native Memphian who planned to go into pro wrestling after graduating high school, instead found himself drawn to the discipline of MMA.
Jackson was motivated to give mixed martial arts a shot after seeing the success of other wrestlers in the industry. He started getting noticed and quickly moved through the ranks in both the UFC and Japan’s PRIDE Fighting Championships.
A former UFC champion, Rampage is now competing for Bellator MMA and has already won the promotion’s Season 10 Light Heavyweight Tournament. In addition to Rob Dyrdek’s show Ridiculousness, he has appeared in the film The A-Team.
Quinton Rampage Jackson has an estimated net worth of $12 Million thanks to his impressive MMA career that spans over two decades. He is still a fan favorite and continues to make appearances in film, television, and video games. His unique personality and style have made him one of the sport’s most renowned fighters.
⑫ Chuck Liddell – Net Worth: $14 Million
Chuck Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. A prolific puncher, Liddell was widely recognized for his aggressive fighting style and incredible knockout power. He also won the 2005 UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, which he successfully defended four times before being dethroned by Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2007.
Throughout his MMA career, Liddell has fought some of the most legendary fighters in the game, earning him a place among the greatest fighters in UFC history. He is also an inductee of the UFC Hall of Fame. Moreover, he was previously named one of Sports Illustrated’s Top 25 Toughest Athletes.
Chuck Liddell has an estimated net worth of $14 million from his successful career in MMA. He currently serves as a consultant for the UFC and continues to serve as one of the most iconic figures within the sport. While he retired in 2010, Liddell remains one of the most popular fighters in the world.
⑪ Tito Ortiz – Net Worth: $15 Million
Tito Ortiz is one of the most decorated mixed martial arts fighters of all time. He made his professional debut in 1997 and competes in the sport today. Then, he has won major titles, including UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Pride Fighting Championships Middleweight Champion.
He has had some of the biggest fight nights in modern MMA history against opponents such as Ken Shamrock, Forrest Griffin, and Randy Couture. Although known for his aggressive style inside and outside the cage, Tito Ortiz has become an iconic figure in the sport and a symbol of longevity and dedication to martial arts.
Tito Ortiz has an estimated net worth of $15 million. He continued to make appearances at UFC events and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2012.
⑩ Randy Couture – Net Worth: $17 Million
With an anticipated net worth of $17 million in 2023, American actor and retired mixed martial artist Randy Couture is the oldest MMA and UFC championship holder.
Randy Couture began wrestling at Lynnwood High School after transferring there from Alderwood Middle School after his birth on June 22, 1963, in Everett, Washington. Couture was a state champion during his senior year at Lynnwood High School. When he was in college, he studied at Oklahoma State.
While competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Couture earned the heavyweight and light-heavyweight titles. He was also a three-time Greco-Roman Wrestling All-American and two-time Pan American Champion. With his impressive career, it’s no wonder he is one of the highest-grossing MMA fighters in history.
Couture has won several awards and is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame and the International Sports Hall of Fame. He also starred in several action films, such as The Expendables series and Redbelt. In 2009, he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of fame for his contributions to MMA.
⑨ Wanderlei Silva – Net Worth: $18 Million
Do you recognize the name Wanderlei Silva from his days in professional mixed martial arts? If so, there’s no doubt you know he is one of the greatest fighters of all time. The Brazilian-born and bred fighter was part of an amazing team that included fellow MMA legends like Shogun Rua, Anderson Silva, and Lyoto Machida.
Having achieved a record of 35 wins, 14 losses, and 1 draw in his professional career. Wanderlei Silva has become one of the most respected fighters in MMA.
Wanderlei Silva’s net worth is estimated to be $18 million. His success in the octagon earned him a place among the upper echelon of MMA fighters and a member of the UFC Hall of Fame. He has remained involved in MMA as a coach and spokesperson for various organizations.
⑧ Fedor Emelianenko – Net Worth: $18 Million
Fedor Emelianenko is one of the most iconic MMA fighters in history. He is often referred to as “The Last Emperor” due to his long reign as one of the best heavyweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters in the world.
Fedor Emelianenko began his career as an amateur in 2000, competing in the Russian national Judo Championships. He then went on to join a renowned fight team, Red Devil Sport Club, and started training in a variety of disciplines, including boxing, sambo, judo, and wrestling.
Fedor Emelianenko is one of the most successful MMA fighters in history, with 36 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. His estimated net worth is $18 million.
He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2017 for his significant contributions to the sport. He continues to be an ambassador for combat sports,. Recently he transitioned into other career paths, such as acting and coaching.
⑦ Anderson Silva – Net Worth: $18 Million
Anderson Silva is an iconic figure in the UFC. He made his debut at UFC Fight Night 5 back in 2006. Since then he became a record-breaking middleweight champion after winning 16 consecutive championships. A feat that has been unmatched in the sport’s history.
Throughout his tenure, “The Spider” has distinguished himself as one of MMA’s premier strikers. Employing an exciting style of Muay Thai with powerful kicks to ace the fight against opponents. Notable wins have come against notable foes, including Dan Henderson, Demian Maia, and Chael Sonnen, whom Silva beat to defend his title for the fourth time.
He was fired as a coach on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4” after failing a drug test and losing his rematch with Weidman. They overturned his 2015 victory over Nick Diaz to a no-contest after he tested positive for steroids and was consequently banned from competing for a year.
Despite these setbacks, Anderson Silva is still one of the richest MMA fighters in the world, with an estimated net worth of $18 million. He is also a member of the UFC Hall of Fame for his significant contribution to the sport.
⑥ BJ Penn – Net Worth: $22 Million
BJ Penn is one of the most important figures in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. His successful career includes being the first American in MMA to hold titles from two different weight divisions consecutively. Plus, the only UFC fighter to win championship belts in both the lightweight and welterweight classes of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
During his impressive career, Penn also held the rank as the first UFC Lightweight Champion. He was challenged for other titles such as the Bantamweight Crown, Featherweight Title, and Middleweight Title. Furthermore, Penn has affected MMA culture with books written about him, such as “Fighting With My Family,” a book chronicling his journey toward becoming a UFC champion.
BJ Penn has an impressive career in the octagon and an estimated net worth of $22 million. He is considered one of the most accomplished mixed martial artists in history.
His accolades are highly respected within the MMA community. He continues to be a fierce competitor and advocate for fighting sports, inspiring a new generation of fighters to strive for excellence.
⑤ Brock Lesnar – Net Worth: $28 Million
Who wouldn’t know Brock Lesnar? He is one of MMA’s most iconic and successful figures and is known for his incredible strength and agility, making him a feared opponent inside the octagon. After his impressive amateur wrestling career at the University of Minnesota, he joined the WWE.
Eventually, he returned to mixed martial arts in 2007, where he made an immediate impact in the UFC. He made a spectacular debut by beating Randy Couture for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in just his fourth professional fight. Furthermore, he defended his title twice before losing it, becoming the second man ever to win and lose a heavyweight title in the UFC.
He has since retired from MMA but still continues to make occasional appearances in the world of professional wrestling. Despite his retirement, he remains one of MMA’s most beloved figures and has an estimated net worth of $28 million. He is a prime example of how hard work and determination can lead to success. Regardless of the career path one chooses.
④ George St. Pierre – Net Worth: $30 Million
George St. Pierre is a Canadian mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion. Born in Saint-Isidore, Quebec, in 1981, St. Pierre began his martial arts career with Karate. He eventually worked his way into becoming the welterweight champion at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, holding that accolade for five years between 2006 and 2013.
St. Pierre is also known for his inspirational sportsmanship. He strives to develop an athlete’s skill through hard work and dedication. These values have motivated many aspiring martial artists worldwide over the years. His philosophy of ‘never giving up’ resonates with young athletes who strive to become successful in their own competitive sports.
St. Pierre has an estimated net worth of $30 million. He continues to be a respected figure within the community. Many looking up to him as an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to spectacular results.
③ Khabib Nurmagomedov – Net Worth: $30 Million
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a lightweight UFC champion who has been making waves since he first stepped into the octagon. He currently holds an incredible record of 28 wins and no losses. A feat rarely accomplished by MMA fighters throughout history. His dedication to creating an immaculate fighting style.
His immense drive and intelligence have made Khabib a formidable opponent for all challengers.
Khabib’s training regimen draws on techniques from both wrestling and sambo, along with other martial arts, to create a truly unique fighting style. His impressive technique and his exceptional reputation as an undefeated champion make Khabib an unstoppable force in the world of MMA.
② Rorian Gracie – Net Worth: $50 Million
Rorian Gracie is a man of many talents. It is no surprise that he has become a powerhouse in the martial arts community. Having grown up learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu from his family’s instructors, Rorian has mastered multiple forms of martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has trained under some of the most renowned teachers in the field, including his father Rorian Gracie, and Rey Diogo, who taught him the self-defense-oriented “Hayastan Method.”
Beyond being an expert grappler and fighter, Rorian also mentors students to help them reach their full potential. His teachings go beyond mastering physical techniques to encompass lifestyle choices that promote mental and spiritual well-being.
Rorian Gracie has an estimated net worth of $50 million. Moreover, his incredible success in martial arts and continuing contributions to teaching and mentoring new students have made him a highly respected figure in the community.
① Conor McGregor – Net Worth: $110 Million
Who is the richest MMA fighter? The correct answer would be none other than Conor McGregor. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1988, this fighter is best known for his flamboyant personality and impressive combat skills, making him an MMA superstar. He has achieved multiple titles, such as the UFC Lightweight Championship and the Cage Warrior Featherweight Championship.
Since 2014 he has been a part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has become one of the most popular fighters in MMA history. McGregor is also well-known for his athleticism and strength, which have helped him achieve so many wins inside the octagon. He trains hard, showing incredible dedication to his craft.
His impressive record, combined with his larger-than-life persona, has made him a fan favorite, creating a huge fanbase worldwide.
Conor McGregor has an estimated net worth of $110 million and is undoubtedly the wealthiest MMA fighter in the world. His success has inspired many aspiring fighters to follow in his footsteps, hoping to make it big like Conor one day. The Dublin native continues to be a source of inspiration to aspiring martial artists all around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Mixed Martial Art make people wealthy?
A: While many professional MMA fighters have gone on to become wealthy, there is no guarantee of wealth within the sport. It takes dedication, hard work, and a lot of luck for any fighter to achieve success in Mixed Martial Arts.
Q: Who is the richest UFC fighter?
A: The richest UFC fighter is Conor McGregor, with an estimated net worth of $110 million.
Q: Who is the most successful MMA fighter?
A: Khabib Nurmagomedov has been regarded as one of the most successful MMA fighters in history. He currently holds an undefeated record and a total of 12 championship belts across various organizations. He also holds multiple other records, making him one of the most accomplished fighters.
Q: Who is Rorian Gracie?
A: Rorian Gracie is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and UFC Hall of Fame inductee. He has an estimated net worth of $50 million, making him one of the wealthiest MMA fighters in history. He is well-known for his teachings and contributions to the martial arts community.
Q: How much money does an MMA fighter make?
A: The amount of money a professional MMA fighter can earn varies greatly depending on their level of success and popularity. However, in general, fighters at the upper echelons of the sport have been known to make millions per fight. Additionally, endorsement deals and other sponsorships are often lucrative sources of income for MMA fighters.
Q: What is the UFC?
A: The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a premier mixed martial arts organization that holds events around the world featuring some of the best fighters in the sport. It is one of the most popular and successful organizations in combat sports and has become a cultural phenomenon. The UFC holds events in various weight classes, with champions crowned in each division. Events are broadcasted in over 150 countries and feature some of the biggest stars in MMA today.
Final Words
The MMA community is full of inspiring fighters, and the wealthiest among them are no exception. From Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dedication to training and his undefeated record to Rorian Gracie’s spiritually-grounded teaching style to Conor McGregor’s larger-than-life persona. These fighters have all achieved great wealth and success in their fields. Each of them has something special to offer the world. Together they make up some of the most successful and impressive figures in MMA history.
No matter who you consider the richest MMA fighter, one thing is clear: The sport of MMA is full of amazing athletes and inspiring stories that are sure to continue for many years to come.