In our research, the best and most recent stats we could find came from the UFC's 2022 year.
The average UFC fighter makes $150,249.
But, this is heavily skewed by outliers. Some of the organizations biggest stars got paid far more than this, bringing the average up by quite a bit. The median UFC fighters makes just $91,250.
The five highest paid UFC fighters in 2022 earned an average of $1,177,200:
| Fighter | 2022 Earnings (Purse Money Only) |
| Israel Adesanya | $1,956,000 |
| Andrei Arlovski | $1,108,000 |
| Alexander Volkanovski | $884,000 |
| Aljamain Sterling | $884,000 |
| Jared Cannonier | $864,000 |
Here are some more interesting facts from the data behind UFC's 2022 fighter payouts:
- UFC fighter earnings decreased in 2022: there average fighter salary in 2021 was $160,022
- Only two fighters earned more than six figures (Israel Adesanya and Andrei Arlovski)
- There were 70 active UFC fighters that earned less than $20,000 in 2022
- 608 total athletes earned money fighting in the UFC during 2022
UFC Fighter Pay Structure (Base Pay and Bonuses)
Most UFC fighters receive:
- Guaranteed amount (show money)
- Win bonus (typically equal to the show money)
Example: At UFC 263 (June 2021), Leon Edwards earned:
- $110,000 to show
- $110,000 win bonus
- Total: $220,000
Note: Pay isn't always equal between opponents. Nate Diaz earned $250,000 for the same fight, despite losing.
Performance Bonuses
The UFC awards discretionary bonuses for outstanding performances:
- Performance of the Night: $50,000
- Fight of the Night: $50,000 (to each fighter)
These can significantly boost a fighter's earnings. Some fighters, like Donald Cerrone and Charles Oliveira, have earned up to 18 bonuses in their careers.
Factors Affecting Fighter Pay
- Experience (number of UFC fights)
- Popularity and draw power
- Fight frequency
- Championship status
Earnings Outside the Octagon: Sponsorships and Endorsements
- Major source of income for top-tier fighters
- Less lucrative for lower-ranked fighters
The Reebok Deal (2015-2021)
- $70 million, 6-year exclusive deal
- Restricted fighters' ability to display personal sponsors
- Tiered payment structure based on UFC fight experience:
- $2,500: 1 to 5 fights
- $5,000: 6 to 10 fights
- $10,000: 11 to 15 fights
- $15,000: 16 to 20 fights
- $20,000: 21 or more fights
- $30,000: Title challengers
- $40,000: Champions
This deal was generally unpopular among fighters due to reduced sponsorship opportunities.
The UFC-ESPN Deal
- Signed in January 2019
- 5-year, $1.5 billion agreement
- Boosted UFC's visibility and potentially fighters' earnings
Highest-Paid UFC Fighters
Top earners combine fight purses, bonuses, and outside earnings:
- Conor McGregor
- Georges St-Pierre
- Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Brock Lesnar
Other Income Sources for MMA Fighters
- Equipment partnerships: e.g., Michael Bisping with Sanabul
- Supplement sponsorships: e.g., TJ Dillashaw with MusclePharm
- Teaching: At MMA gyms or through online platforms
- Instructional content: Videos for platforms like Dynamic Striking or BJJ Fanatics
MMA Fighter Pay in Other Promotions
While the UFC offers the highest potential earnings, other promotions also provide opportunities:
- Bellator: Top fighters can earn up to $300,000 per fight
- ONE Championship: Top fighters can earn $100,000-$200,000 per fight
- Professional Fighters League (PFL): Potential for high earnings (e.g., Anthony Pettis earned $750,000 for one fight), but dependent on tournament success
Final Thoughts
While MMA, particularly the UFC, offers significant earning potential for top performers, many fighters still face financial challenges:
- Income can be inconsistent due to injury or infrequent fights
- Lower-ranked fighters may struggle financially
- The sport's physical toll can lead to short careers
Despite these challenges, many compete out of passion for the sport rather than solely for financial gain. As MMA continues to grow in popularity, there's hope for improved compensation across all levels of the sport.
