The Richest UFC Showdowns: A Look At The Most Paid UFC Fights

The first ever UFC event (UFC 1) was an open weight tournament to find out what the most effective fighting style was. The legendary Royce Gracie was the winner of the tournament, winning $50,000 - he was the only fighter to be paid.

Fast forward to present day and contenders are getting paid between $10,000-$30,000. Meanwhile, UFC champions take home a pay packet between $500,000 and $3 million, with additional bonuses such as PPV points to be earned.

The most notable of stars from the MMA community is none other than Conor McGregor, having amassed almost $40 million from UFC fights alone. However, not many fighters have the same star power as “The Notorious”, but once upon a time Ronda Rousey did. 

7. UFC 194: Conor McGregor (vs Jose Aldo) – $4.47 million

This will undoubtedly be the first of many listings of the Irishman, and this is the fight where a star was really born. McGregor was making a name for himself in the UFC steamrolling through the featherweight division, but in December 2015 a superstar emerged as he delivered one of the coldest knockouts in MMA history.

Aldo, a legend in his own right, got slept in 13 seconds of round one by McGregor,  and that meant UFC gold was coming home to Ireland for the first time ever.

Image for Conor McGregor (vs Jose Aldo)

6. UFC 193: Ronda Rousey (vs Holly Holm) – $4.53 million

Right before McGregor broke out, the UFC already had a huge player in the MMA world in the women's division. Rousey, the first ever female UFC champion, was tearing through the bantamweight division making six successful title defences. But in November 2015 it all came crashing down.

Rousey would meet her match in the form of exceptional kickboxer Holly Holm. Despite being the clear favourite, Rousey would be on the receiving end of several significant strikes before being KO'd by a brutal head kick.

Image for Ronda Rousey (vs Holly Holm)

5. UFC 207: Ronda Rousey (vs Amanda Nunes) – $4.87 million

After a year on the sidelines after suffering a shock knockout loss to Holm, Rousey returned to the octagon cage against Amanda Nunes in what was dubbed the mark of an incredible comeback.

But little did we know that fight would be the start of something quite special for Nunes. “The Lioness” starched Rousey inside a minute of the fight which was just the start of her ten title defences across bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

Image for Ronda Rousey (vs Amanda Nunes)

4. UFC 196: Conor McGregor (vs Nate Diaz 1) – $5.57 million

Several weeks after swiftly dispatching Jose Aldo at UFC 194, McGregor was in action to face California native Nate Diaz. And it was the American who produced one of the biggest shocks in UFC history when Diaz submitted McGregor with a rear naked choke. 

Image for Conor McGregor (vs Nate Diaz 1) 

3. UFC 202: Conor McGregor (vs Nate Diaz 2) – $5.61 million

Months after McGregor's first defeat under the UFC banner, the Irishman attempted to undo his loss to Diaz, this time meeting in the welterweight division. After a gruelling five round fight McGregor's hand was raised - getting the nod in a majority decision.

Image for Conor McGregor (vs Nate Diaz 2) 

2. UFC 205: Conor McGregor (vs Eddie Alvarez) – $6.81 million

2016 was one of the craziest years for the sport, and some could argue that without the events that unfolded in that calendar month the UFC may not be where it is today.

After starting the year with a defeat to Diaz, McGregor scored one back over Diaz in August. Then, McGregor would end up claiming double champ status in November after putting on a spectacular striking clinic against Alvarez.

Image for Conor McGregor (vs Eddie Alvarez)