A curated ranking of the most lucrative UFC bouts in history, determined by total gross revenue and estimated fighter payouts relative to pay-per-view sales. This list highlights the athletes who have successfully drawn massive audiences, commanding seven-figure and even eight-figure purses from their performances.
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Held at UFC 257, this bout reportedly generated over $77 million in gross PPV revenue, with McGregor's guaranteed purse sitting at a record-breaking $7 million before any bonuses. It stands as one of the highest-grossing events in MMA history.
UFC 229 shattered records with approximately $70 million in PPV buys, making it the highest-grossing PPV event ever. McGregor earned an estimated $30 million total compensation, while Nurmagomedov took home roughly $9 million.
UFC 242 generated over $50 million in PPV revenue, driven by the massive fan interest in a potential superstar matchup. Khabib received approximately $8 million, while Ferguson earned around $2.5 million for the title defense.
UFC 205 saw an estimated 2.4 million PPV buys in the US, generating roughly $57 million in total revenue. McGregor secured a reported $30 million guarantee, marking one of the largest single payouts in combat sports at the time.
UFC 194 achieved an estimated 1.7 million buys, becoming the highest-grossing event until subsequent McGregor fights. The bout generated over $40 million in PPV revenue, with McGregor earning an unprecedented $10 million guarantee.
UFC 202 drew approximately 1.5 million PPV buys, generating $40 million in revenue. Despite a lower guaranteed base, McGregor's deal included significant revenue sharing, potentially boosting his total earnings to over $10 million.
UFC 196 generated roughly 1 million buys in the US, producing about $25 million in PPV revenue. Silva and Weidman each earned approximately $2.5 million, while the event's success highlighted the enduring draw of the middleweight division.
UFC 214 drew an estimated 800,000 to 1 million buys, generating significant revenue despite controversy. Jones reportedly earned $4.5 million while Cormier took home $3.5 million, reflecting the high stakes of the heavyweight championship.
UFC 236 attracted around 500,000 buys, generating $15 million in PPV revenue. Adesanya earned $900,000 while Romero received $600,000, illustrating the pay disparity between established champions and top contenders.
While the main event headlined the card, Poirier's victory over McGregor in their trilogy fight contributed to the card's massive revenue. Poirier earned an estimated $2.5 million, while McGregor's appearance fee remained part of the overall event financials.
UFC 239 drew approximately 700,000 buys, generating $20 million in revenue. Nunes earned $1.5 million while Shevchenko received $500,000, highlighting the growing financial viability of women's championship bouts.
Though not UFC, this heavyweight bout drew 1.3 million PPV buys, generating $32.5 million in revenue. Fury and Wilder each earned an estimated $7.5 million, setting a benchmark for combat sports earnings.
The crossover boxing match generated an astronomical $600 million in revenue, with Mayweather earning an estimated $300 million. McGregor's share was reported to be between $100 million and $125 million, dwarfing traditional MMA payouts.
UFC 232 drew an estimated 700,000 buys, generating $20 million in revenue. Jones earned $2.5 million while Gustafsson took home $750,000, underscoring the premium placed on championship defenses by top-tier fighters.
UFC 217 drew roughly 800,000 buys, generating $25 million in revenue. GSP reportedly earned $4.5 million for his return, while Bisping received $1 million, marking the end of one of the sport's most iconic eras.
UFC 196 generated significant buzz, though it was headlined by Silva vs. Weidman. The co-main event drew considerable attention, with Diaz earning $1.5 million and McGregor receiving a lower but still substantial purse, setting the stage for future mega-fights.
UFC 254 drew approximately 600,000 buys, generating $15 million in revenue. Khabib earned an estimated $3 million while Gaethje received $500,000, showcasing the consistent draw of Khabib even without a superfight headline.
In the co-main event of UFC 202, Poirier defeated McGregor via TKO. Poirier earned an estimated $800,000 while McGregor took home $1.5 million, reflecting the star power difference even within the same event.
UFC 237 drew around 500,000 buys, generating $15 million in revenue. Adesanya earned $500,000 while Whittaker received $400,000, illustrating the mid-level contender pay scale in the middleweight division.
UFC 223 drew approximately 600,000 buys, generating $18 million in revenue. Ferguson earned an estimated $1 million while Khabib took home $2.5 million, reflecting the championship status and drawing power of the lightweight title fight.