The highest-paid UFC fighter in a single fight is According to Forbes, he earned $22 million for his January 2021 bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. This figure includes his base pay, pay-per-view (PPV) share, and sponsorship deals.

UFC fighters can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several million per fight, depending on their contract, popularity, and performance. For example, at UFC Atlanta, Rose Namajunas earned $500,000 ($250,000 to show + $250,000 to win).

As of 2025, Conor McGregor remains the richest UFC fighter by a wide margin, with an alleged net worth of $200 million. McGregor's wealth extends beyond the octagon, thanks to his whiskey brand Proper No Twelve, major endorsements, and headline boxing matches like Mayweather.

UFC fighters , thanks to guaranteed "show money" in their contracts. So, even in defeat, they walk away with a paycheck. For example, if a fighter's contract is $50,000 to show and $50,000 to win, they'll still earn $50,000 even in defeat.

As of 2025, remains the highest-paid active UFC fighter despite not competing for more than three years. Among fighters who are actively competing, Rose Namajunas recently topped the UFC Atlanta payroll with a $500,000 payday for her win over Miranda Maverick.

The lowest-paid UFC fighters are typically . At recent events like UFC Atlanta, some fighters earned just $12,000 to show, with an optional $12,000 win bonus. For example, Rodolfo Bellato received only $12,000 for his bout, the lowest payout on that card.

Historically, fighter pay has been even lower. In earlier years, debuting athletes earned as little as $4,000 to $6,000, with some contracts offering $4,000 to show and $4,000 to win.

According to court documents released during the UFC antitrust lawsuit, Ronda Rousey earned approximately $13 million for seven UFC fights between 2011 and 2016. These figures include base pay, win bonuses, and undisclosed incentives such as pay-per-view shares and discretionary bonuses.

More detailed records later revealed that her total UFC earnings reached $17.7 million across eight fights, averaging over $2.2 million per bout. Her highest payday came in her final UFC appearance against Amanda Nunes in 2016, where she reportedly earned $4.87 million despite losing the fight.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's earnings per fight increased dramatically over his UFC career. Early on, he earned modest sums, as little as $8,000 to show and $8,000 to win in 2012. But by the time he headlined major events, his payouts soared:

• Reportedly earned $6.88 million, his highest disclosed payout.

Across his UFC career, Khabib in recorded fight purses. His net worth in 2025 is estimated at $40 million, bolstered by endorsements, coaching, and business ventures.

According to Marca, Israel Adesanya earns between , depending on pay-per-view (PPV) sales. Notable payouts include $3.5 million for his 2023 fight against Alex Pereira, $2.3 million for his 2022 rematch with Robert Whittaker, and $1.7 million for his 2020 bout with Paulo Costa.

According to The Guardian, the UFC fighter pay controversy in 2024. The organisation agreed to a $335 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by over 1,200 fighters. The lawsuit alleged that the UFC used its market dominance to suppress fighter wages and limit competition, violating U.S. antitrust laws.

UFC fighter pay varies widely based on experience and popularity. Entry-level fighters might earn around $10,000 to $30,000 per fight, while mid-tier athletes can take home $80,000 to $250,000. Top stars, like champions or headliners, often earn $500,000 to $5 million or more.

Are you seeking more information about the nanny salary in the U.S.? Tuko.co.ke published an informative article detailing the full-time nanny salary and the factors that influence their pay.

If you're considering a career as a nanny or are looking to hire one, you'll need to know about the full-time nanny salary. The average full-time nanny salary in the USA is five figures annually. Read the full article for more information.

Source: TUKO.co.ke