A curated ranking of mixed martial artists who have historically secured the most lucrative pay-per-view bonus deals, reflecting their status as top draws for major UFC events and their ability to drive ticket and digital sales.
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The most significant draw in UFC history, McGregor generated massive PPV revenue through his rivalry with Nate Diaz and the historic Floyd Mayweather boxing match. His fights consistently broke global sales records, securing unprecedented purses and bonus structures.
Undefeated champion whose main events, particularly against Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, were among the highest-grossing in the sport's history. His dominance and storytelling created immense fan interest, leading to massive buy rates and lucrative performance bonuses.
Widely considered the greatest fighter of all time, Jones' main events generate substantial interest due to his legacy and high-stakes bouts. His recent return against Stipe Miocic and earlier title fights against Daniel Cormier drew huge PPV audiences.
The former Middleweight Champion held the belt for a record-long reign, driving significant PPV sales during his title defenses against Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa. His exciting fighting style and championship status made him a primary draw for major UFC cards.
A versatile contender who headlined multiple pay-per-view events, including trilogy fights with McGregor and the bout against Khabib. His consistent high-level performances and popularity have made him one of the most financially rewarded fighters in the lightweight division.
Before his retirement, Silva was arguably the biggest star in MMA, holding the middleweight title for a record 2,457 days. His fights against Chuck Liddell, Rashad Evans, and Chris Weidman generated massive global interest and record-breaking PPV buys.
The former Heavyweight Champion headlined several major events against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, drawing significant viewership due to the prestige of the heavyweight division. His powerful fighting style and championship pedigree ensured high PPV sales for his main events.
Known for his devastating power, Ngannou headlined two of the highest-grossing UFC events in history against Stipe Miocic. His transition to boxing was fueled by the immense revenue he generated in the UFC as a primary draw for the heavyweight title picture.
The former Welterweight Champion was a massive draw during his two reigns, headlining events against Johny Hendricks and Carlos Condit. His return fights generated enormous fan excitement and PPV sales, cementing his status as one of the sport's greatest earners.
As a dual-division champion, Cormier headlined major events against Cain Velasquez, Stipe Miocic, and Alexander Gustafsson. His fights were consistently ranked among the most watched UFC events, contributing to significant PPV bonuses and career earnings.
She revolutionized women's MMA and was the first female athlete to headline a UFC PPV. Her fights against Bethe Correia and Holly Holm broke sales records, making her one of the most financially successful fighters in the organization's history.
Overeem's 2014 fight against Cain Velasquez was the second-highest selling UFC PPV at the time, demonstrating his drawing power. His aggressive fighting style and heavyweight status allowed him to secure lucrative main event spots and performance bonuses.
The former Middleweight Champion headlined events against Anderson Silva and Yoel Romero, generating significant PPV interest. His ability to dethrone Silva created a massive storyline that drove sales, rewarding him with high purses and bonus payouts.
While previously ranked, Jones' return to the heavyweight division has again placed him among the top earners. His bouts against Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall have revitalized his marketability, ensuring he remains at the top of the financial ladder.
Though often underpaid relative to his draws, Diaz's PPV bonuses were historically significant due to his massive fight with McGregor. His grassroots popularity and unique fighting style contributed heavily to the financial success of several major UFC events.
Ferguson's exciting, unorthodox style made him a frequent main eventer and PPV headliner during his title reign. Fights against Khabib, Conor McGregor, and Justin Gaethje drew large audiences, resulting in substantial bonus earnings and purses.
The dominant former Welterweight Champion headlined events against Colby Covington and Leon Edwards, driving PPV sales with his reign of dominance. His high-level title fights consistently ranked among the most watched UFC broadcasts of the year.
Ngannou's reign as champion featured some of the highest PPV buys in history, particularly in the heavyweight division. His power and marketability allowed him to command top-tier contracts and bonuses, making him a central figure in UFC revenue generation.
Velasquez's fights against Junior dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum were major PPV events that drove significant sales. His dominant wrestling style and heavyweight prowess made him a consistent draw and a key figure in the UFC's financial growth.
As the Flyweight Champion, Johnson headlined numerous UFC events, including those against John Lineker and Henry Cejudo. His exciting, technical style and consistency made him a reliable draw, earning him high purses and bonus structures despite his lower weight class.