UFC has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans and generating record-breaking revenue. Some of the sport’s biggest stars have cashed in on this success, securing massive paydays for stepping into the Octagon. Unlike boxing, where top fighters often negotiate enormous purses, UFC fighters typically earn less—but the biggest names have still managed to command staggering sums.
We’ve taken a look at the highest single-fight payouts in UFC history and ranked them from lowest to highest.
10. Anderson Silva – £3,381,000 (vs. Chris Weidman 2, UFC 168)
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Anderson Silva was well-compensated for his attempt to reclaim the UFC Middleweight Championship in a rematch against Chris Weidman at UFC 168. However, the bout ended in disaster for Silva when he suffered a horrific leg break in the second round, effectively ending his dominance in the division.
9. Conor McGregor – £3,457,000 (vs. Jose Aldo, UFC 194)
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McGregor’s name appears multiple times on this list, and his fight against Jose Aldo at UFC 194 was one of the most iconic moments in MMA history. With a single punch, McGregor knocked out Aldo in just 13 seconds, becoming the undisputed featherweight champion while securing a massive payday.
Rousey was the biggest star in women’s MMA when she faced Holly Holm at UFC 193. Expected to continue her reign as bantamweight champion, Rousey instead suffered a shocking head-kick knockout, but her financial reward for the fight remained one of the largest in UFC history.
A year after her loss to Holm, Rousey returned to face Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. Despite being paid an even larger sum than before, her comeback was short-lived as Nunes dismantled her in just 48 seconds. This was Rousey’s final UFC appearance before moving on to professional wrestling.
McGregor’s trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 was supposed to settle their rivalry, but it ended in heartbreak. In the final seconds of the first round, McGregor suffered a broken tibia, forcing a doctor stoppage. Despite the injury, he still walked away with another multimillion-dollar payday.
Originally set to fight Rafael dos Anjos, McGregor instead faced Nate Diaz on short notice in a welterweight bout at UFC 196. Diaz shocked the world by submitting McGregor in the second round, but the Irishman still secured one of the biggest purses in UFC history.
Determined to avenge his loss, McGregor faced Diaz again at UFC 202 in one of the most thrilling fights in UFC history. The Irishman won by majority decision, and the event became one of the highest-selling pay-per-views, further boosting his earnings.
3. Jon Jones – £4,861,000 (vs. Stipe Miocic, UFC 309)
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Jon Jones returned to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, earning the biggest payday of his career. In a dominant performance, Jones finished Miocic with a brutal spinning back-kick to the body, cementing his legacy while cashing in a record-breaking check.
2. Conor McGregor – £5,265,000 (vs. Eddie Alvarez, UFC 205)
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McGregor made history at UFC 205 by defeating Eddie Alvarez to become the first fighter to hold two UFC belts simultaneously. Fighting at Madison Square Garden for the first time in UFC history, McGregor put on a masterclass and walked away with one of the highest payouts ever.
1. Brock Lesnar – £6,183,000 (vs. Mark Hunt, UFC 200)
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Brock Lesnar tops the list with the biggest single-fight payout in UFC history. Returning to the Octagon for UFC 200, Lesnar defeated Mark Hunt via decision, though the result was later overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test. Despite this, Lesnar still walked away with a staggering $8 million.
