As the landscape of professional sports evolved, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has changed the scenery of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the sports industry as a whole. The UFC has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and has gathered millions of fans from across the globe and been able to produce some of the highest paid athletes in sports. As we enter into 2025, the finances of the UFC have continued to evolve. The UFC fighters are making millions of dollars, and in 2025, athletes in the UFC will be earning hefty paychecks reflecting their marketability, talent, and popularity. In this article, we will look at the top 10 highest paid fighters in the UFC in 2025, along with their salaries and reasons as to why they are able to make that amount of money.
1. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is still the biggest star in the UFC. McGregor is well-known for his kind of athlete persona when he is fighting, idol, to his marketability outside of the octagon. In 2025, McGregor has a base salary of $10 million, and he is the highest paid athlete in the UFC. McGregor’s previous fights have garnered record pay-per-view (PPV) numbers, along with his other business ventures such as his whiskey brand called Proper No. Twelve, have especially changed his earning potential within the sport.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Although Khabib Nurmagomedov has been retired for a number of years, he still remains a huge draw for the UFC. Nurmagomedov is also making a whopping $8 million in 2025. He will go down as one of the greatest lightweight champions in MMA history. Khabib not only still works in MMA, but he also still makes money promoting other fighters and coaching others.
3. Israel Adesanya
As the past middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has earned himself quite a large fan base with his striking ability and fun-to-watch personality. Adesanya is projected to make $6 million in 2025. Being able to be active on social media with fans and defend his title make Adesanya one of the biggest merchandise draws in the UFC. All of these involved means Adesanya continues to earn himself a very good payday due to his stature in UFC.
4. Jon Jones
Over the span of his career Jones has dealt with controversy, but continues to be a major draw for the UFC. Since coming back to the Octagon, and now having the possibility of superfights, the popularity of Jones keeps up the excitement for fans, and pushes up the amount of money he gets paid.
5. Amanda Nunes
Nunes’ salary is projected to be $4 million. Since her dominance over opponents as well as her status in MMA as one of the pioneers for women of sports in general, Nunes has become a marketable athlete, where she has secured firm sponsorships and incomes have increased dramatically.
6. Jorge Masvidal
Masvidal’s salary is expected to be $3.5 million in 2025. Masvidal is a huge name maker in the UFC today, and his fights earn interest because of his notoriety so the UFC can have success because he can produce charges for pay-per-view and sell sponsorships much faster than most of the fighters in the UFC.
7. Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is a former interim lightweight champion; in many circles he is regarded as one of the toughest fighters in the UFC. Poirier is expected to have a pretty good salary of $3 million in 2025. Porier brings excitement along with toughness for the match, and he is a great fan favorite, this high-profile fights, and resulting major pay-per-view ticket sales, build interest and sponsorships.
8. Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou, the reigning heavyweight champion, is known for his incredible knockout power and athleticism. Ngannou’s is earning around $2.5 million in 2025. His rise to prominence in the heavyweight division and his ability to attract fans with his explosive fighting style have made him one of the highest-paid athletes in the UFC.
9. Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo, a former two-division champion, has made a name for himself in the UFC with his impressive skill set and competitive spirit. Cejudo’s is earning an estimated amount of $2 million in 2025. His ability to engage with fans and his success in multiple weight classes have contributed to his financial success in the sport.
10. Robert Whittaker
Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, is known for his technical striking and resilience in the octagon. In 2025, Whittaker’s salary is projected at $1.5 million. His consistent performances and ability to connect with fans have made him a respected figure in the UFC, leading to lucrative sponsorship deals and increased earnings.
Factors Contributing to UFC Fighters’ Salaries
The salaries of UFC athletes are influenced by several factors, including:
1. Pay-Per-View Revenue
One of the primary sources of income for UFC fighters comes from pay-per-view (PPV) events. Fighters who headline major events often receive a percentage of the PPV sales, significantly boosting their earnings. High-profile matchups, especially those involving popular fighters like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, can generate millions in revenue.
2. Sponsorship Deals
Sponsorship deals play a crucial role in a fighter’s overall income. Many UFC athletes partner with brands for endorsements, which can range from athletic gear to health supplements. Fighters with a strong social media presence and fan following often attract lucrative sponsorship opportunities.
3. Fight Performance and Marketability
A fighter’s performance in the octagon directly impacts their marketability. Winning titles, engaging in exciting fights, and building a compelling persona can lead to increased fan interest and higher salaries. Fighters who consistently deliver thrilling performances are more likely to secure higher-paying contracts.
4. Merchandise Sales
Merchandise sales, including apparel and fight gear, contribute to a fighter’s income. Popular fighters often have their own merchandise lines, allowing them to earn additional revenue from sales. The more a fighter is marketed and recognized, the more merchandise they can sell.
5. Media Appearances and Public Engagement
Fighters who actively engage with the media and participate in promotional events can enhance their visibility and marketability. Media appearances, interviews, and public engagements can lead to increased fan interest and, consequently, higher earnings.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2025, the UFC continues to be a platform where athletes can achieve remarkable financial success. The top 10 highest-paid athletes in the UFC reflect a combination of skill, marketability, and the ability to engage with fans. Conor McGregor leads the pack with his impressive earnings, while other fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Israel Adesanya also command significant salaries. The financial landscape of the UFC is ever-evolving, and as the sport grows, so too will the opportunities for its athletes to achieve financial success. Whether through fight purses, sponsorships, or merchandise sales, the future looks bright for UFC fighters in the coming years.
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