Top 5 Highest-Earning UFC Fighters of 2023

UFC 2023: The UFC stands as the premier MMA promotion globally, catapulting stars like Conor McGregor and Brock Lesnar to financial success. This year, the company’s continued growth has translated to larger purses for fighters. Notably, fighters such as Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski have amassed substantial earnings, contributing to the excitement of comebacks and thrilling events throughout the year. While, fans are curious with the question who racked most this year? Here’s the answer to that.

Top 5 Highest-Earning UFC Fighters of 2023

Which UFC Fighter Earned the Most Money in 2023?

Jon Jones: $6.4 Million 

This year, Jon Jones made a powerful comeback, not only winning the UFC title fight but also amassing huge wealth. At UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane, he returned and secured the heavyweight title. In terms of finances, he holds contracts amounting to $3 million, with the potential for additional bonuses. 

Additionally, as he advances, Jones is set to receive the third-highest salary in the UFC, guaranteeing him a purse of $2 to $3 million. For this fight, he reportedly single-handedly made $6.4 million. Had he participated in UFC 295, he would undoubtedly have been one of the highest-earning fighters in a single year in history. Unfortunately, he had to pull out due to injury.

Israel Adesanya: $5.68 million

This year, the fighter who earned the second most is Israel Adesanya. He fought twice, reclaiming his title against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 and later losing it to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. In the highly anticipated first fight against Pereira, he reportedly earned over $3 million from PPV buys, performance bonuses, salary, and other sources of income. In the bout against Strickland, he earned over $2 million. In total he earned nearly $5.68 Million.

Alexander Volkanovski: $5,384,000

In addition to Izzy, Volkanovski, the featherweight UFC champion, earned nearly the same amount as Adesanya, falling short by $200-300. This year, the Australian fighter participated in three bouts, facing Islam Makhachev twice and Yair Rodríguez once. In the two bouts against Islam, he earned $1,492,000 and $2,392,000, while against Rodríguez, he earned $1,500,000. These three fights contributed to him earning more than $5 million.

https://youtu.be/RPcsiDSzFCs?si=N_RUkF7wUtZydEfM

4th And 5th Spot

Islam Makhachev: $4,034,000

Taking the 4th spot is Dagestani champion fighter Islam, who went up against Volkanovski in two bouts. His overall earnings from these encounters totaled around $4 million. Where at UFC 285 he earned $1.5 Million and in the second fight he earned $2.5 Million.

Stories On Combat Sports You Must Read: 

• UFC: Beneil Dariush vs Arman Tsarukyan- Start Time In 25 Countries- USA, UK, India, and More
• UFC 296: Leon Edwards Plans To Face The 
• Winner Of Strickland Vs Du Plessis

Alex Pereira’s total earnings: $3,522,000

At number 5 on the list is Alex Pereira, who earned $1,490,000 + $1,132,000 + $900,000, from his three fights making the total $3.5 million. Where he fought against Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blachowicz.