Highest Payout UFC Fighter Contracts in History

As the longest-reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion, Jones secured unprecedented backend deals and high base guarantees. His contract restructuring after returning to the division resulted in one of the largest single-fight payouts in combat sports history, exceeding $2 million before bonuses.

McGregor's 2016 comeback fight against Eddie Alvarez set a new record for base pay, reported at $3 million guaranteed. His unique profit-sharing structure with the UFC allowed him to earn tens of millions from gate revenue and pay-per-view points, making him the highest-paid fighter in the sport's era.

Before his retirement, Khabib commanded base purses of up to $3 million per main event. Although specific backend details were private, his dominance in the lightweight division and massive global appeal secured him among the top earners in UFC history during his undefeated streak.

Poirier's career resurgence following his rivalry with McGregor led to significantly higher contract values. His main event bouts consistently featured multi-million dollar total payouts, including performance bonuses, solidifying his status as a top-tier financial asset for the promotion.

Adesanya's long reign as Middleweight Champion allowed him to negotiate premium base guarantees often exceeding $2 million. His consistent draw at pay-per-view events enabled him to secure lucrative multi-fight deals that included substantial backend participation.

After his trilogy with McGregor, Holloway secured a major contract extension with significant base increases. His bouts against top-tier opponents have resulted in payouts frequently surpassing $1 million, with potential bonuses pushing total earnings much higher.

As the dominant former Welterweight champion, Usman commanded guaranteed purses of $1 million or more per fight. His championship bouts against top contenders like Covington and Edwards resulted in high seven-figure total payouts including UFC Performance bonuses.

Nunes was widely reported to have a $1 million base guarantee for her title defenses. Her status as the premier female fighter allowed her to negotiate exceptional terms, making her one of the highest-paid women in combat sports history prior to her retirement.

Ngannou’s contract before his boxing match against Fury involved a base pay that, while not fully disclosed, was reported to be significantly higher than his previous UFC rates. His transition highlighted the shifting economics where athletes leverage UFC success for massive outside payouts.

As the current Lightweight champion and successor to Khabib, Makhachev has rapidly ascended to top-tier financial status. His recent main events have yielded payouts well above $1 million, reflecting his position as the next major draw for the promotion.

Pereira’s rapid rise from kickboxing to UFC Middleweight champion has resulted in sharply increased contract values. His main event appearances command high guarantees, and his cross-over appeal brings substantial promotional bonuses to his total payout.

Masvidal’s 'Gamebred' persona and high-profile fights, particularly against Conor McGregor, generated massive payouts. His contract during the peak of his popularity included high base pay and significant performance incentives that placed him in the upper echelon of UFC earners.

Bisping’s victory over Anderson Silva made him the first British Middleweight champion, leading to a lucrative contract. His post-championship bouts and Hall of Fame status helped him negotiate deals that significantly outpaced the average fighter's purse during his tenure.

The 'Spider' held the Middleweight title for nearly seven years, commanding one of the highest base guarantees in history. His contract terms were renegotiated multiple times to reflect his draw power, often exceeding $1 million per main event.

Cormier’s dual-championship run and high-profile bouts against Stipe Miocic secured him multi-million dollar payouts. His contract value was bolstered by his wrestling pedigree and ability to sell out arenas, resulting in some of the highest per-fight checks in heavyweight history.

Miocic’s long reign as Heavyweight champion and his high-stakes fights against Cormier and Ngannou led to massive payouts. His contracts often included high base guarantees and backend points, reflecting his status as a cornerstone of the heavyweight division.

Rousey’s dominance in the women's bantamweight division made her the first female UFC superstar to command $1 million base pay. Her contract value was unprecedented for women at the time, driven by her mainstream celebrity and record-breaking PPV sales.

Jones’ move to the 155-pound division for his fight against Ciryl Gagne featured a massive guaranteed payout. Reports indicated a base pay significantly higher than standard middleweight rates, highlighting the premium placed on his name across weight classes.

Oliveira’s historic submission record and main event status have earned him frequent multi-million dollar payouts. His contracts include substantial performance bonuses for finishes, often pushing his total earnings well beyond the base guarantee in every fight.

Covington’s high-profile feuds with Usman and other top contenders have secured him substantial guaranteed purses. His ability to draw interest and sell cards has allowed him to negotiate contracts that place him among the highest-paid fighters in the welterweight division.