The Richest MMA Fighters in the World: McGregor, St. Pierre, Lesnar Top List of Wealthiest Stars
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Mixed martial arts (MMA) has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, creating huge superstars who now rank among the richest athletes in the world. Through massive fight purses, pay-per-view earnings, endorsements, and business deals, these MMA stars have built incredible fortunes.
1. Conor McGregor – Net Worth $200 Million
The biggest star in MMA history, Conor McGregor has headlined 5 of the 6 highest selling UFC pay-per-view events. His 2017 boxing megafight with Floyd Mayweather was also a massive financial success. McGregor has earned over $200 million in fight income alone. His Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand has added over $100 million to his wealth.
2. Georges St-Pierre – Net Worth $160 Million
One of the greatest MMA fighters ever, Georges St-Pierre was a dominant UFC welterweight and middleweight champion. Over his long career, “GSP” headlined numerous major UFC events that sold well on pay-per-view. His total fight purse income is estimated at over $40 million.
3. Brock Lesnar – Net Worth $120 Million
A UFC heavyweight champion and pro wrestling star, Brock Lesnar brought mainstream attention to MMA in the late 2000s. He headlined massive UFC 100, which reportedly sold over 1 million PPVs. Lesnar earned around $9 million for his 2016 UFC 200 bout.
4. Rorion Gracie – Net Worth $100 Million
The co-founder of UFC, Rorion Gracie is an MMA pioneer. As part of the legendary Gracie jiu-jitsu family, he helped introduce Gracie jiu-jitsu and Vale Tudo fighting to the US. He owns 33% of the UFC, contributing significantly to his wealth.
5. Anderson Silva – Net Worth $110 Million
One of the most dominant champions in UFC history, Anderson Silva holds the record for most consecutive title defenses at 10. He headlined many major UFC events and earned over $20 million in fight income during his MMA career.
6. BJ Penn – Net Worth $22 Million
Hawaii’s BJ Penn is one of only a few fighters to win UFC titles in two weight classes. His local popularity and rivalry with Matt Hughes helped drive his pay-per-view drawing power. Penn earned over $15 million in fight purses.
7. Ronda Rousey – Net Worth $14 Million
The first female superstar in MMA, Ronda Rousey was once the most dominant female fighter in the sport. She became a crossover media star, appearing in major films. Rousey amassed her wealth during her incredible peak run.
8. Tito Ortiz – Net Worth $20 Million
A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Tito Ortiz headlined many top-selling UFC events in the 2000s as the promotion’s early star. He earned well from purses and sponsorships during his heyday.
9. Fedor Emelianenko – Net Worth $18 Million
Fedor Emelianenko was an unbeaten Russian heavyweight MMA icon during the 2000s. He headlined Pride Fighting Championship events in Japan that sold very well on pay-per-view internationally.
10. Randy Couture – Net Worth $17 Million
A pioneering UFC Hall of Famer, Randy Couture is a three-time heavyweight champ and two-time light heavyweight champ. He earned over $10 million in fight purses over his storied MMA career.