10 Richest UFC Fighters Of All Time

By Nicholas A. Marsico

10 Richest UFC Fighters of All Time

Brock Lesnar — They don't make money anywhere near what the top boxers make (which is a travesty), but some UFC fighters are able to make bank by entertaining the crowd both inside and out of the Octagon. Butts in seats means money in the pockets, and endorsements help too. This list contains estimates based on fight purses/bonuses, endorsements and PPV cuts.

10. Jon Jones ($10 million)

Jon Jones during major UFC

10. Jon Jones ($10 million)

Jon Jones during major UFC — Bones is 15-1 in UFC competition, winning his last 12 fights. His one loss came via DQ after using illegal elbows. Although he tested positive for cocaine before his last fight, he admitted to it and was clean by fight day. Jones may find himself listed as the greatest UFC fighter of all time when it is all said and done. Not only did he make half a million dollars for his last fight, but he has a reported six-figure deal with Nike.

9. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson ($12 million)

quinton rampage jackson ufc

9. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson ($12 million)

quinton rampage jackson ufc — After Zuffa's buyout of Pride, one of the Japanese company's biggest stars and most vaunted fighters made his way back home to the U.S. Rampage Jackson only has a record of 7-5 inside UFC's Octagon, but much like his presence wowed audiences in Japan, his over-the-top personality and intensity has helped him become a top name within the fight game. After leaving UFC in early 2013, the promotion announced his return in December 2014.

8. Chuck Liddell ($13 million)

UFC Iceman Chuck Liddell

8. Chuck Liddell ($13 million)

UFC Iceman Chuck Liddell — One of the most celebrated fan favorites in UFC history, Liddell has been retired for over four years and is still recognized among the biggest names in the sport. His rivalry with Tito Ortiz made UFC a lot of money, which in turn netted him some very good change as well. Their second fight at UFC 66 attracted over one million PPV buys, making it the most-watched UFC show at that time.

7. Tito Ortiz ($15 million)

Tito Ortiz

7. Tito Ortiz ($15 million)

Tito Ortiz — The Huntington Beach Bad Boy has a brash personality that put him at the center of controversy on a number of occasions. His big mouth attracted a lot of attention, and many people were drawn to him with the hope of seeing him get his face knocked off. Ortiz made a career of rivalries, fighting many opponents two or three times in hyped rematches. These rivalries helped him become one of the highest paid UFC fighters ever.

6. Wanderlei Silva ($16 million)

Wanderlei Silva

6. Wanderlei Silva ($16 million)

Wanderlei Silva — Though he has a losing record of 5-7 in UFC competition, Silva came to the company with a huge following after being dominant in Pride. Even with a less than stellar time inside the Octagon, The Axe Murderer was one of the most revered fighters MMA had to offer, and his past legacy helped him earn a lot of money.

5. Brock Lesnar ($16 million)

UFC 141: Lesnar v Overeem - Press Conference

5. Brock Lesnar ($16 million)

UFC 141: Lesnar v Overeem - Press Conference — Amateur wrestling champion, professional wrestling champion, UFC champion. Lesnar has done a heck of a lot in the world of combat sports. When he left WWE in 2004 and eventually ended up signing with Dana White's MMA company, everybody knew that win or lose, there was going to be big money. Brock did more winning than losing, earning him almost $ 3 million for fighting just seven times. His name and the PPV hype made him all the rest.

4. Randy Couture ($17 million)

Randy Couture

4. Randy Couture ($17 million)

Randy Couture — Couture is a UFC legend, first fighting at UFC 13 way back in 1997. It was still essentially a catch weight fighting organization as he fought, and beat, guys nearly 100 pounds heavier than he was. Near the end of his career, it's estimated that he was possibly making about $ 1 million per fight.

3. Anderson Silva ($18 million)

Anderson Silva Press Conference

3. Anderson Silva ($18 million)

Anderson Silva Press Conference — He may be in the middle of a PED scandal, but with nearly seven years undefeated, Anderson Silva became a huge pay-per-view draw. People readily plunked down their money for years either to see him continue his streak or to finally get defeated, depending on who you were talking to. It is rumored that he is making $ 6 million for his victory over Nick Diaz after which he tested positive for PEDs.

2. BJ Penn ($20 million)

bj penn

2. BJ Penn ($20 million)

bj penn — Only 36 years old and already retired, BJ Penn is considered to be one of the greatest fighters of all time even with a less-than-stellar record of 16-10 (losing his final three UFC fights). His PPV main events were big draws, and he has been an advocate for mixed martial artists and better drug testing procedures.

1. Georges St-Pierre ($25 million)

Georges St.Pierre

1. Georges St-Pierre ($25 million)

Georges St.Pierre — GSP may be the best of all time, with a 19-2 UFC record. He lost his first Welterweight Title shot against Matt Hughes and went on to win his next five fights, with the 5th being his title victory over Hughes. He lost the belt in his first defense but won his next 12 fights, including winning the belt back. His last fight was in November 2013 (leaving due to lax drug testing policy) but he is likely to be back to make more money.

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