Top 10 Highest-Paid MMA Fighters in 2022

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is among the most exciting sports around. In recent years, MMA has become incredibly popular among mainstream audiences. This increased popularity is mainly due to the talent and rivalries among the mixed martial artists who put everything on the line during fights.

So, with the high risks these fighters take every time they step in the ring, it makes sense that the reward should match. Let’s find out the top 10 highest-paid MMA fighters in 2022. 

The Top 10 Highest-Paid MMA Fighters in 2022

1. Conor Mcgregor 
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov 
3. Andrei Arlovski 
4. Alistair Overeem 
5. Anderson Silva
6. Jon Jones 
7. Michael Bisping
8. Junior dos Santos
9. Georges St-Pierre
10. Donald Cerrone

Short Reviews

Connor McGregor ($25,104,000) 

It comes as no surprise that the highest-paid MMA fighter is Connor McGregor, with a staggering $25,104,000 made this year alone. 

The former lightweight and featherweight champion is the first fighter to simultaneously hold UFC championships in two weight classes. 

Furthermore, in 2018 Connor McGregor was declared the highest-paid athlete in the world by Forbes. The former champion’s incredible MMA skills have made him a beacon for attracting large crowds to his fights, which led to him having the record for the highest-selling PPV MMA event at 2.4 million buys. By the way, you can read more about the world of MMA on MMAwhisperer.

Khabib Nurmagomedov ($14,770,200)

The second highest-paid MMA is the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is also the longest reigning lightweight champion, holding the title from 2018 to 2021. 

Since turning pro in 2013, he has racked up ten victories, eight of which were achieved either by knockout or submission. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov is among the best mixed martial athletes of all time. Moreover, on June 30, 2022, Khabib was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. 

Andrei Arlovski ($10,631,000)

Next is Andrei Arlovski, with $10,631,000 made in 2022. The MMA fighter has 23 UFC heavyweight championships under his belt, meaning he holds the record for most championships won in the heavyweight division. 

Andrei Arlovski is considered one of the world’s top MMA competitors. He holds the fifth-best overall ranking in the UFC’s Heavyweight division. 

Besides his MMA fighter career, Andrei has also branched out as an actor with roles in films and TV. 

Alistair Overeem ($10,204,500)

Alistar Overeem is the first fighter to simultaneously have world titles in MMA and K-1 kickboxing. In 2022 the Dutch MMA fighter earned $10,204,500.

Former heavyweight boxing world champion and current mixed martial artist Alistair Overeem. He is the current Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion. 

Furthermore, he is currently ranked sixth among mixed martial arts fighters according to Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes as of 2017.

Anderson Silva ($8,732,000)

The former UFC middleweight champion stands fifth in terms of earnings for 2022, having made $8,732,00. 

Moreover, Anderson Silva is the only person to have twice won the UFC middleweight championship title. Also, from 2006 to 2013, he held the longest title reign. 

Furthermore, he has the UFC featherweight championship title and is the only athlete to have won the Pride Fighting Championships and Strikeforce championships. By many martial arts pundits, Anderson Silva is considered the best MMA fighter of all time. 

Jon Jones ($7,230,000) 

Jon Jones is the youngest UFC champion in the history of the sport earning his title at only 23 years old. Not only is he the youngest champion, but he also is among the highest-paid MMA artists in the world, having earned in 2022 $7,230,000.

Jon Jones has also won two Olympic medals, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and was the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion. Moreover, he is the first ever mixed martial artist to be sponsored by Nike internationally. 

Michael Bisping ($7,135,000)

At number seven on our list of MMA fighters with the highest earnings for 2022 sits Michael Bisping with $7,135,000. He was raised in Salford, Greater Manchester, after being born in Yorkshire, England. 

After he started his mixed martial arts career, Michael Bisping went on to win the WEC Light Heavyweight Championship and has since fought in the UFC. With a professional record of 26-5, Bisping has 22 knockout victories. 

Junior dos Santos ($7,110,000)

One of the most popular fighters in the MMA and UFC circles is Junior dos Santos. He has competed in two Olympics and is a former world heavyweight champion. 

He is one of the most well-paid UFC fighters ever, with earnings for 2022 of $7,110,000. Moreover, he’s the most successful boxer in the sport’s history, with an astounding 18-2 record and 17 knockout victories.

Georges St-Pierre ($7,037,000)

George St-Pierre comes from Canada and is a fighter in mixed martial arts (MMA) that has long dominated the division. In addition to being one of the highest-earning fighters in the world, his resume includes the following:

• Two UFC welterweight championship victories;
• Four Fighter of the Year awards;
• Two wins at welterweight.

Furthermore, his earnings in 2022 sit at $7,037,000.

Donald Cerrone ($7,025,800)

Despite never earning the title of champion in the UFC, Donald Cerrone is among the highest earners in the MMA world, bringing in $7,025,800 in 2022. 

He holds one of the highest fight records in the UFC at 36-16-0. Donald Cerrone is also among the world’s most famous mixed martial artists. 

Conclusion

That concludes the list of the top 10 highest-paid MMA fighters in 2022. As you can see, all of the highest-paid fighters earn in the millions every year, which makes sense as they are the main attraction for the audiences to the sport. 

All these MMA fighters are highly trained and experienced in their craft, and with the added danger that fighting sports bring, they are rightfully paid for their talent. So, with the increasing interest in MMA, their earnings will likely grow yearly.