Top 30 richest MMA fighters and their net worth revealed

Top 30 richest MMA fighters and their net worth revealed

Babu Tendu, Cyprine Apindi
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM

Success in any field requires a set of qualities and features that give a person wins over their competitors. The best Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes are hardworking, mentally strong, and physically sturdy. The richest MMA/UFC fighters are known for having these qualities and scoring numerous wins in their careers.

richest MMA/UFC fighters
The richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world. Photo: Bryan Steffy, Jess Bottari/ Zuffa LLC, Pascal Le Segretain/ Getty Images (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The richest MMA/UFC fighters did not just fall into wealth. Instead, they worked and trained hard in their careers. Some have also invested in other businesses.

Richest MMA/UFC fighters in 2023

The highest-paid MMA/UFC fighters are worth millions of dollars. UFC is an American mixed martial arts promotion company in America. Below is an exploration of the wealthiest mixed martial arts athletes globally.

30. Demetrious Johnson - $6 million

  • Full name: Demetrious Johnson
  • Date of birth: 13 August 1986
  • Age: 37 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Madisonville, Kentucky, United States of America

Demetrious Johnson is an American mixed martial artist. He currently competes in ONE Championship, where he is the current ONE Flyweight Champion. He is also the inaugural and former UFC Flyweight Champion. Demetrious Johnson's net worth is $6 million.

29. Daniel Cormier - $6 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Daniel Cormier attends WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Photo: Unique Nicole/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Cormier
  • Date of birth: 20 March 1979
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America

Daniel Cormier is a former professional mixed martial artist, amateur wrestler, and current commentator for the UFC. He is the second fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously and is the first fighter to have title defences in two divisions. Daniel Cormier's net worth is $6 million.

28. Andrei Arlovski - $6 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Andrei Arlovski of Belarus interacts with media during the UFC 244 Ultimate Media Day in New York City. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Andrei Arlovski
  • Date of birth: 4 February 1979
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Babruysk, Belarus

Andrei Arlovski is a professional mixed martial artist, actor, and former UFC Heavyweight Champion. He competes in the Heavyweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and holds the record for most wins in UFC heavyweight history. Andrei Arlovski's net worth is $6 million.

27. Mauricio Rua - $6.5 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Mauricio Rua of Brazil holds an open training session at Arena da Baixada Stadium in Curitiba, Brazil. Photo: Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Maurício Milani Rua
  • Date of birth: 25 November 1981
  • Age: 42 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil

Maurício Milani Rua, alias Shogun, is a former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Mauricio Rua's net worth is $6.5 million.

26. Randy Couture - $7 million

  • Full name: Randall Duane Couture
  • Date of birth: 22 June 1963
  • Age: 60 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Everett, Washington, United States of America

Randall Couture is an actor, former United States Army sergeant, former mixed martial artist, and former collegiate and Greco-Roman wrestler. He was a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Randy Couture's net worth is $7 million.

25. Forrest Griffin - $7 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Forrest Griffin, UFC VP of Athlete Development, interacts with media during the UFC - Aurora partnership press conference at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Forrest Griffin
  • Date of birth: 1 July 1979
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Columbus, Ohio, United States of America

Forrest Griffin is an American retired mixed martial artist. The former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2013. He currently serves as the Vice President of Athlete Development at the UFC Performance Institute. Forrest Griffin's net worth is $7 million.

24. Nate Diaz - $8 million

  • Full name: Nathan Donald Diaz
  • Date of birth: 16 April 1985
  • Age: 38 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Stockton, California, United States of America

Nate Diaz is a professional MMA artist signed with the UFC. He is the younger brother of Nick Diaz, a former welterweight champion and current UFC fighter. His fee for showing up to the Conor McGregor fight was $2 million. Nate Diaz's net worth is $8 million.

23. Matt Hughes - $8 million

  • Full name: Matthew Allen Hughes
  • Date of birth: 13 October 1973
  • Age: 50 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Hillsboro, Illinois, United States of America

Matt Hughes is one of the wealthiest MMA fighters in 2023. He played football and was a wrestler in high school and college. He began participating in mixed martial arts in the late 90s and trained with Miletech Fighting Systems. Matt Hughes' net worth is $8 million.

22. Frank Mir - $8 million

  • Full name: Francisco Santos Mir III
  • Date of birth: 24 May 1979
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America

Frank Mir most recently competed for Bellator MMA in the Heavyweight division. He is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and has the has most victories, and most submission wins in UFC Heavyweight history. Frank Mir's net worth is $8 million.

21. Eddie Alvarez - $8 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Eddie Alvarez interacts with the media during the UFC Fight Night Ultimate Media Day event at Hyatt Regency Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Image
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Edward Alvarez
  • Date of birth: 11 January 1984
  • Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Eddie Alvarez made history as the first and only person to win championships in the UFC and Bellator MMA. He made his professional MMA debut in December 2003 with a win over Anthony Ladonna. Eddie Alvarez's net worth is $8 million.

20. Dan Henderson - $8 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Dan Henderson attends the welterweight bout between Hyun Gyu Lim and Mike Perry at the UFC 202 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Steve Marcus/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Jeffery Henderson
  • Date of birth: 24 August 1970
  • Age: 53 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Downey, California, United States of America

Dan Henderson is one of the wealthiest MMA artists in the world. He wrestled for Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State University and competed in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. On 8 October 2016, he announced his retirement from fighting. Dan Henderson's net worth is $8 million.

19. Urijah Faber - $9 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Urijah Faber poses for the media during the UFC 245 Ultimate Media Day at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Urijah Faber
  • Date of birth: 14 May 1979
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Isla Vista, California, United States of America

Urijah Faber is a former NCAA wrestler who competed in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC). In 2006, he won the WEC Featherweight Championship and challenged for the Bantamweight Championship four times. Urijah Faber's net worth is $9 million.

18. Michael Bisping - $9 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Michael Bisping poses for photographs during the photocall to announce the arrival of Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts in Manchester, England. Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Michael Gavin Joseph Bisping
  • Date of birth: 28 February 1979
  • Age: 44 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Nicosia, Cyprus

Michael Bisping is a former English mixed martial artist. He competed in the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. Today, he is best known for his work as a sports analyst, actor, and commentator. Michael Bisping's net worth is $9 million.

17. José Aldo - $9 million

  • Full name: José Aldo da Silva Oliveira Júnior
  • Date of birth: 9 September 1986
  • Age: 37 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil

José Aldo is best known for his career in the UFC and has won multiple titles in this MMA fighting organisation, including three UFC Featherweight championships. In 2021, he was named among the top five bantamweight fighters in the UFC. José Aldo's net worth is $9 million.

16. Donald Cerrone - $9 million

  • Full name: Donald Cerrone
  • Date of birth: 29 March 1983
  • Age: 40 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Denver, Colorado, United States of America

Donald Cerrone's nickname is Cowboy. He has been named one of the top five highest-ranked UFC lightweight fighters worldwide. Since 2013, he has competed in at least four fights a year. Donald Cerrone's net worth is $9 million.

15. Yoel Romero - $10 million

  • Full name: Yoel Romero Palacio
  • Date of birth: 1 April 1977
  • Age: 46 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Pinar del Río, Cuba

Yoel Romero is also known as the Soldier of God. He is a Cuban mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler who competes as a middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championships. In December 2009, he made his professional MMA debut with a win over Sascha Weinpolter. Yoel Romero's net worth is $10 million.

14. Junior dos Santos - $10 million

highest-paid ufc fighters
Junior dos Santos smiling for pictures. Photo: @juniorcigano (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Full name: Junior dos Santos
  • Date of birth: 30 January 1984
  • Age: 39 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Caçador, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Junior dos Santos started studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while in high school for health reasons. His trainer saw potential and invited him to begin training in mixed martial arts. In 2006, he began fighting professionally after one year of MMA training. Junior dos Santos' net worth is $10 million.

13. Alistair Overeem - $10 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Alistair Overeem attends the UFC Fight Night: Ultimate media day at Wanda Realm Hotel in Beijing, China. Photo: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alistair Cees Overeem
  • Date of birth: 17 May 1980
  • Age: 43 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Hounslow, United Kingdom

Alistair Overeem began practising judo and playing basketball as a youngster. His brother encouraged her to train in kickboxing and Muay Thai when he was 15. At 19, he won his first professional fight. Today, Alistair Overeem's net worth is $10 million.

12. Chuck Lindell - $12 million

  • Full name: Charles David Liddell
  • Date of birth: 17 December 1969
  • Age: 54 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

Chuck Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship Light Heavyweight Champion. He fought 23 times in total in his active years. Today, Chuck Liddell's net worth is $12 million.

11. Bruce Buffer - $12 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Bruce Buffer is seen on stage during the UFC 293 ceremonial weigh-in at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Bruce Anthony Buffer
  • Date of birth: 21 May 1957
  • Age: 66 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America

Bruce Buffer started studying martial arts martial arts in his childhood and eventually earned a green belt in judo and a black belt in Tang Soo Do. Chuck Norris introduced him to Tang Soo Do, and he also studied kickboxing. Today, he is a professional mixed martial arts ring announcer and the official octagon announcer for UFC events. Bruce Buffer's net worth is $12 million.

10. Anderson Silva - $14 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Anderson Silva at the backstage before Triton fashion show at Sao Paulo Fashion Week Summer SPFW in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photo: Mauricio Santana/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Anderson da Silva
  • Date of birth: 14 April 1975
  • Age: 48 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: São Paulo, State of São Paulo, Brazil

Anderson Silva is one of the most successful fighters in mixed martial arts. He is known as The Spider in the sporting world. He held the UFC Middleweight Title longer than any other fighter did. As a result, he is considered by many the greatest MMA fighter of all time. Anderson Silva's net worth is $14 million.

9. Ronda Rousey - $14 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Ronda Rousey appears on the red carpet of the WWE Mae Young Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for WWE
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ronda Jean Rousey
  • Date of birth: 1 February 1987
  • Age: 36 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Riverside, California, United States of America

Ronda Rousey is a mixed martial arts competitor and judoka who is considered the most popular and successful female MMA fighter of all time. She is also ranked among the richest female MMA fighters of all time and is a successful actress. Ronda Rousey's net worth is $14 million.

8. Wanderlei Silva - $18 million

  • Full name: Wanderlei César da Silva
  • Date of birth: 3 July 1976
  • Age: 46 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil

Wanderlei Silva is among the highest-paid UFC fighters. He is known for his aggressive fighting style that resembles street brawling. He is a Muay Thai expert and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Wanderlei Silva's net worth is $18 million

7. Fedor Emelianenko - $18 million

  • Full name: Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko
  • Date of birth: 28 September 1976
  • Age: 47 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rubizhne, Ukraine

Fedor Emelianenko is a Russian politician and retired heavyweight MMA artist. He is regarded as one of the most accomplished mixed martial artists of all time. Although he is retired, he still fights in the Rizin Fighting Federation and Bellator MMA. Fedor Emelianenko's net worth is $18 million.

6. Tito Ortiz - $20 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Tito Ortiz interacts with fans during a Q&A session before the official UFC on Fuel TV weigh in event at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jacob Christopher Ortiz
  • Date of birth: 23 January 1975
  • Age: 48 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Huntington Beach, California, United States of America

Jacob Christopher "Tito" Ortiz is a retired American mixed martial artist and a former politician. He rose to fame while fighting in the UFC and established a reputation as one of the most skilled UFC fighters ever. Tito Ortiz's net worth is $20 million.

5. Brock Lesnar - $20 million

  • Full name: Brock Edward Lesnar
  • Date of birth: 12 July 1977
  • Age: 46 years (as of 2023)
  • Country of birth: Webster, South Dakota, United States of America

Brock Edward Lesnar is a professional wrestler, former mixed martial artist, amateur wrestler, and professional American football player. Although he has experienced success in both professional football and the UFC, he is best known for his time in the WWE and is among the richest MMA fighters of all time. Brock Lesnar's net worth is $20 million.

4. Georges St-Pierre - $20 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Georges St-Pierre is seen on stage during a Q&A session prior to the UFC 287 ceremonial weigh-in at Kaseya Centre in Miami, Florida. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Georges St-Pierre
  • Date of birth: 19 May 1981
  • Age: 42 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Saint-Isidore, Canada

Georges St-Pierre is an actor and former professional mixed martial artist. Many people regard him as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history. He is commonly known as GSP in the sports world and is among the richest MMA fighters in the world. Georges St-Pierre's net worth is $20 million.

3. Khabib Nurmagomedov - $40 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia arrives to the arena before the UFC 229 weigh-in inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov
  • Date of birth: 20 September 1988
  • Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Sil'di, Russia

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a former professional mixed martial artist who retired in 2020. He competed in the lightweight division of the UFC, where he was the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion. Khabib Nurmagomedov's net worth is $40 million

2. Rorion Gracie - $50 million

  • Full name: Rorion Gracie
  • Date of birth: 10 January 1952
  • Age: 71 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rorion Gracie is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grand Master and a prominent member of the Gracie family. He is also the co-founder of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a lecturer, writer, publisher, producer, and lawyer. Rorion Gracie's net worth is $50 million.

1. Conor McGregor - $200 million

the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world
Conor McGregor attends the 'Chopard Loves Cinema' gala dinner during the 75th Cannes Film Festival at Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France. Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images For Chopard
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Conor Anthony McGregor
  • Date of birth: 14 July 1988
  • Age: 35 years (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland

Conor McGregor is the richest MMA fighter in the world. He is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight double champion. He made history as the first-ever UFC fighter to hold UFC championships in two weight classes at the same time. Conor McGregor's net worth is $200 million.

Recap of the richest MMA/UFC fighters in the world

Ranking

Name

Net worth

1

Conor McGregor

$200 million

2

Rorion Gracie

$50 million

3

Khabib Nurmagomedov

$40 million

4

Georges St-Pierre

$20 million

5

Brock Lesnar

$20 million

6

Tito Ortiz

$20 million

7

Fedor Emelianenko

$18 million

8

Wanderlei Silva

$18 million

9

Ronda Rousey

$14 million

10

Anderson Silva

$14 million

11

Bruce Buffer

$12 million

12

Chuck Lindell

$12 million

13

Alistair Overeem

$10 million

14

Junior doe Santos

$10 million

15

Yoel Romero

$10 million

16

Donald Cerrone

$9 million

17

José Aldo

$9 million

18

Michael Bisping

$9 million

19

Urijah Faber

$9 million

20

Dan Henderson

$8 million

21

Eddie Alvarez

$8 million

22

Frank Mir

$8 million

23

Matt Hughes

$8 million

24

Nate Diaz

$8 million

25

Forrest Griffin

$7 million

26

Randy Couture

$7 million

27

Mauricio Rua

$6.5 million

28

Andrei Arlovski

$6 million

29

Daniel Cormier

$6 million

30

Demetrious Johnson

$6 million

Who is the richest UFC fighter?

Conor McGregor is the richest UFC fighter in the world, with a net worth of $200 million.

In the Khabib vs McGregor war, who is richer?

Conor McGregor is richer than Khabib. McGregor is worth $200 million, while Khabib is worth $40 million.

How much do UFC fighters get paid?

The amount UFC fighters make depends on the terms and conditions of their contracts. They are classified into three tiers, i.e., low, medium, and high, with the latter earning the highest amounts.

What is Chael Sonnen's net worth?

Chael Sonnen is worth $4 million as of 2023. Sonnen is an American submission grappling promoter, mixed martial arts analyst, and retired mixed martial artist.

What is UFC's net worth in 2023?

The UFC is worth about $4 billion in 2023. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is an American mixed martial arts promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The richest MMA/UFC fighters have made names for themselves in the sporting world with their numerous wins. These athletes started their careers at tender ages and have grown into the world's best athletes.

Richest MMA fighters
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Authors
Babu Tendu photo
Babu Tendu
SEO Editor
Cyprine Apindi photo
Cyprine Apindi
Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and reporter with over 4 years of experience based in Kenya. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from Kenyatta University.