Today, the most popular UFC fighters have a huge amount of followers on social networks worldwide. This bonus could range anywhere from $4,000 to $25,000. In 2018, after his bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov, he said that he got around $50,000,000 out of UFC 229 PPVs. Lets break them down to see what getting punched in the face in front of millions of viewers truly costs. FOLLOW MORE IBT NEWS ON THE BELOW CHANNELS, IBT Fast Start - Let the best of International News come to you. It is more common, however, for referees to earn $300 per fight. They dont call it the Ultimate Fighting Championship for nothing. Getting a bonus from PPV sales is a win-win situation for both the UFC fighters and the UFC. According to International Business Times, there are three salary tiers that a UFC fighter can fall into: low, medium, and high, with the lowest earners taking home between $10,000 and $30,000, and the highest tier raking in between $500,000 and $3,000,000 per fight. But if you remove some of the outliers at the bottom and top of earnings, the median base salary is $30,000 per fight. But on maximum, they only fight two to three times a year. Dana White once revealed that he hands out what are called undisclosed Locker-room bonuses depending on how he perceived a fight. But if you remove some of the outliers at the bottom and top of earnings, the median base salary is $30,000 per fight. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. There is also a lack of union representation for fighters in the UFC. Payouts per fight range from an initial $10,000 to $3,000,000. Contrast that with the other end of the spectrum, where heavy-weight names in this industry such as Conor McGregor were able to rake in over $3 million dollars as the basic UFC salary of the fight. The more famous and successful the UFC fighter is, the more leverage they have in these negotiations and the higher their salary will be. The average UFC fighter made $160,022 in 2021, up from average earnings of $146,673 in 2020. The lowest paid UFC fighters are the ones that just signed (assuming they werent big names in other promotions before) with the UFC. They get between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight. UFC viewership and popularity are on a steady climb and is sure to see a spike in the UFC salary of both fighters and referees in the near future. Even if youre not a huge sports fan, theres something wildly entertaining about watching a UFC fight. UFC fighters do get paid even if they lose. In 2018, McGregor also showed up when he fought Khabib in biggest the biggest UFC fight of all time (and the third biggest fight of all time in combat sports history). How Much Money Do Amatuer (Beginner) MMA Fighters Make? The median income for UFC fighters in 2018 was $68,000, while the average was $138,250. It is more common, however, for referees to earn $300 per fight. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Per Forbes, he earned $32,000,000 from a fight with Khabib and $15,000,000 from endorsements. So, a referee presiding over 4 fights can earn over $1000 in one night. This was only a slight increase from the 2019 average UFC salary of $146,673. I try my best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a $40 million year for me. There, she earned her B.A. Should they win, they stand to get a bonus of up to $50,000. When I talk about UFC fighters payout, it is very important to mention that not all of the money goes directly to them. One more thing worth noticing is that if a fighter misses the weight, they will be fined 20 or 30% of the money they get paid for that fight. Initially, UFC fights did not command the mainstream media coverage they do now. biggest the biggest UFC fight of all time, How to Become a Wrestling Coach? If sufficient fights are not offered, they are still compensated by the UFC for the fights not offered. He also referees high-profile matches which raises his basic UFC salary further. The top boxers can get paid multi-millions of dollars per fight, whilst top UFC fighters get paid a mere couple . Younger referees earn as little as $250 per fight, but the less reputable pros manage to average about $500 per match. However, the range of UFC salary is so wide, since UFC fighter income is largely dependent on the individual fighters public sway and their sponsorship contracts. The average amount of UFC fights per event is 12, and he's paid $50,000 for a Fight Night event, meaning Bruce Buffer makes $4,166 per fight at a Fight Night event. Regardless, it does not reflect well on the companys image when you realize that in the UFC 241 event in 2019, the highest-earning male fighter bagged $700,000 while the female UFC champion salary was just shy of $30,000. However, the average salary is inaccurate as it's that high mostly because of high earners such as McGregor. And it is also important to note, that the large portion of earnings in the UFC are not from the basic UFC fighter salary but from sponsorships and the fighters public fame and social media presence. This Reebok sponsorship pay is minuscule, and it can range from $3,500 per fight to $40,000, according to The MMA Guru. The UFC boasts of twelve weight divisions. UFC fighters can earn more per fight based on other factors such as: Win bonuses Apparently, the UFC pays $7 or more to the Irishman for every PPV sold. To put into perspective the varying salaries of UFC fighters, compare the 2019 earnings of UFC lightweight champion Khabib to Brazilian contender Isabela de Padua. The majority of his success as an entrepreneur comes from his own brand of whiskey Proper No. They earn a bonus if they win their fights but can also get a fight of the night bonus, while two performance of the night bonuses are awarded after an event. Herb Dean is one of the most respectable and revered referees in the UFC with a net worth of $3 million. They typically get paid from $80,000 to $250,000 per fight. A fighter has to promote a companys product on social networks, and for that they receive paychecks. The average salary of a UFC fighter last year stood at $147,965, because the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya and other notable fighters pocketed far more money. Outside the UFC we have estimated the average salary per fight is less than $20k based on available info. How to Improve Kickboxing Kick Speed & Power? Money from Reebok is then handed to the fighters based on how many fights theyve had. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The New York Post reports that the average ring girl makes between $30,000 to $75,000 a year. Nicknamed The Notorious, McGregor earned the majority of his fortune outside of the UFC ring. Contrast that with the other end of the spectrum, where heavy-weight names in this industry such as Conor McGregor were able to rake in over $3 million dollars as the basic UFC salary of the fight. Lets take Conor McGregors career earnings as an example (with PPV bonuses and endorsement included): In 2015, per Frobes, Conor earned $22,000,000. The record for the most money won in a UFC fight is held by Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz at UFC 202 where they won a combined whopping total of $5 million. Jon Jones is among the youngest UFC champions after winning the Light Heavyweight Championship in a fight against Dominick Reyes in 2020.His February 9, 2022, event at Toyota Center earned Jones up to $500,000, excluding his bonus check and $40,000 salary. This may seem like an enticing sum of money, but what is pertinent to remember, is that these fights are few and hard to come by, and the preparation for these fights requires months of grueling training, dieting, and commitment that makes every earned penny very well deserved. (2022 Earnings Revealed!). Viewers who want to watch PPV events have to pay an additional amount of money ($65 at the time of writing). Their overall earnings for the night can be more though because UFC referees tend to officiate more fights per night. Other Sources of Income for the UFC Fighters. 256 fighters (42%)earned six-figuresin 2021, up from 219 fighters (38%) in 2020. Each year, it continues to draw in more viewers. The minimum for competing in the UFC is $10,000 base salary per fight. While his exact earnings are widely reported to fall anywhere in between $150,000 $500,000 annually, the real question is why? McGregors pay day for fighting Khabib may explain why so many MMA fighters want to fight in the UFC. UFC fighters also make money from Reeboks exclusive sponsorship deal with the UFC. The highest-paid UFC fighter was Conor McGregor, with $10,022,000 (without PPV bonuses). Two fighters who put the best performance on the event also receive a $50,000 bonus. .css-lwn4i5{display:block;font-family:Neutra,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-0.01rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;text-align:center;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-lwn4i5:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}See Lacey Chaberts Sexy Nighttime Look, Sofa Vergara Has Abs In See-Through Corset Pic, See Meghann Fahy Wear a Denim Pantless Outfit, How 'Law and Order: SVU' Star Kelli Giddish Left, A.J. Despite earning millions from fighting, he also launched two separate businesses. The average UFC fighter made $160,022 in 2021,up from average earnings of $146,673 in 2020. The real money-maker, however, is pay per view (PPV). How Much Do UFC Fighters Earn from the Actual Fights? That makes them a perfect target for sponsors and advertising products. Being a UFC Champion or main eventing the UFC PPV event means that there is a chance that a fighter can have a special item in their contract on which they will receive a percentage of all the sold PPVs. Payouts from fighting range from a starting $10,000 to as much as $3,000,000. That fight earned him an extraordinary amount of $100,000,000 putting him in the Forbes no.4 place of highest paid athletes in a calendar year. None of Bryce nor Ilia has lost a fight in the UFC. However, this bonus typically only applies to fighters in the lowest and middle tiers, where if a fighter earns a guaranteed $90,000 for a fight, they can get another $90,000 should they win. To explain a little bit more, if a fighter has a $90,000 payout for a fight; if they win, they will receive $90,000 more (for a total payout of $180,000). UFC giving their champions a percentage of PPVs sold is a perfect business model. Those UFC fighters who are headlining an event are able to ink more lucrative deals since they are not only paid more for the fight but also are in a position to negotiate a cut from the pay-per-view earnings of the company. And it is also important to note, that the large portion of earnings in the UFC are not from the basic UFC fighter salary but from sponsorships and the fighters public fame and social media presence. UFC minimum guaranteed salary: $10K/fight UFC roster: 580 fighters Fighters revenue share: 16% As you can see, the UFC gives the fighters only 16% of its total revenue. As a result, many UFC fighters have no sponsors other than Reebok. 116 fighters (19%) made less than the average U.S. income ($25,000). How much do Premier League referees get paid? This content is imported from OpenWeb. However, the range of UFC salary is so wide, since UFC fighter income is largely dependent on the individual fighter's public sway and their sponsorship contracts. While it may seem like a ridiculous amount, you have to consider what these fighter are putting on the line and the risks associated with the sport. 10 Great Tips, Best Speed Bag that is worth your money [even for beginners], Fight of the Night: Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis, Performance of the Night: Derrick Lewis and Aspen Ladd, Fighters who have between 1 and 3 fights will receive $4,000, Fighters who have either 4 or 5 fights will receive $4,500 per fight, Fighters who have between 6 and 10 fights will receive $6,000 per fight, Fighters who have between 11 and 15 fights will receive $11,000 per fight, Fighters who have between 16 and 20 fights will receive $16,000 per fight, Fighters who have 21 or more fights will receive $21,000 per fight, Fighters challenging for the UFC title will receive $32,000 for that fight, Fighters that are champions will receive $42,000 per fight. A fighter in the UFC makes an average base salary of $84,044 per fight. The UFC also gives out bonuses to the fighters who participate in the best and most interesting match of the night. However, many former UFC fighters say they have lost sponsors and money because of the UFCs deal with Reebok, a driving force behind the decision of some to switch to rival promoter Bellator MMA. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In the past, a UFC fighters main source of income came from their matches. This may seem like an enticing sum of money, but what is pertinent to remember, is that these fights are few and hard to come by, and the preparation for these fights requires months of grueling training, dieting, and commitment that makes every earned penny very well deserved. The most popular companies that give UFC fighters endorsements are Monster, Burger King, Bud Light, and many others. UFC fighters also make money from bonuses. UFC fighters in the highest tier are those who have the biggest fan bases and have the opportunity to earn $500,000 and up to $3,000,000 per fight. Also, you probably heard about Proper Twelve. When new fighters join the UFC, they usually obtain the Lowest Tier contract. When discussing UFC referees, it is hard to miss UFC referee Herb Dean salary. He would have got a PPV bonus also on top of this amount . Rebecca Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. Because PPV events feature the best fights the UFC can offer, these types of events get the most views; thus, they generate by far the most money. The nearly unbeaten American superstar has since earned up to $7,230,000 in his career and this excludes PPV and locker room bonuses. Here are the top 30 highest-paid UFC fighters in career salaries only in the UFC, excluding all other sources of income. A fighter in the UFC makes an average base salary of $84,044 per fight. This is most notably seen in McGregor, who became the highest-paid athlete in the world in the past year with his $180 million earnings, according to Forbes. Although the average salary of a UFC fight is about $138,250 per fight. In 2020, the average UFC fighter earned $147,965, which is an increase of 0.88% from 2019s average salary of $146,673. Copyright 2022 IBTimes LLC. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. PPV (pay per view) events are UFCs biggest type of events. The two disclosed bonuses of a match are Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night. While the range of these bonuses varies and is not officially reported, it is an average of $50,000, sometimes, climbing as high as $80,000. A fighter in the UFC makes an average base salary of 84044 per fight. However, the range of UFC salary is so wide, since UFC fighter income is largely dependent on the individual fighters public sway and their sponsorship contracts. Through PPV points, however, McGregor added almost $50 million on to that pay day. Lets see some of the ways an MMA fighter in the UFC can earn a living: The primary way UFC fighters are making money is through the paychecks they get from UFC when they fight. It is expanding into various multimedia platforms such as video games and action figure collections. In this picture, UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov of Russia raises his champions belt upon the arrival in Makhachkala on Oct. 8, 2018. The sales of whiskey have skyrocketed all over the world, thus reportedly (link to article) generating past $1 billion mark in the United States. one time derren mia made 8 grand for a fight. Alajamain Sterling was the lowest-paid UFC champion in 2021; he got paid $230,000 (without PPV bonuses). . The reason the UFC starting salary for entry-level fighters is so low is that these fighters do not have the high-level agency representation that rookies in other sports, such as the NBA have. All these factors dictate what a UFC fighters salary can come out to be. On average, an MMA referee can officiate about 120 fights a year. According to International Business Times, those prizes can sometimes so much as double their base pay, though, that typically only applies to the first two tiers. Have something to tell us about this article? In 2016, he reportedly said the he excepts earnings of about $40,000,000. The average earnings of UFC fighters in 2021 were roughly 150000 which is earned through an average of 3 fights per year making the average earnings 50000 per fight. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. The basic salary is not fixed, and it ultimately depends on the popularity of the player, the sponsorship of that player plus how anticipated and revenue-generating that particular fight is. In 2020, McGregor returned to the Octagon against Cowboy Cerrone. Reach in Boxing and UFC (MMA): How Is It Measured? During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Conor said that he excepts around $80,000,000: Im estimating about $80 million They think Im toast, Ariel, but Im still the bread! For this, is the UFC referee salary compensating them well? Comparisons to UFC fighters: It's reported the average annual earnings of UFC fighters in 2021 were around $150,000, meaning the average earnings per fight is around $50,000 if you consider a fighter having an average of 3 UFC fighters per year. The more hype those fighters generate for the fight, the more people will tune in, meaning more money for them. Truth behind Ratcheds disturbing hydrotherapy scene, Opinion: This should be Liverpools starting XI vs Arsenal, Report: Carlo Ancelotti expresses frustration at wingers omission, Ex-Tottenham man posts on Twitter about late penalty, {{^disable_secondary_title}} {{#secondary_title}} {{secondary_title}} {{/secondary_title}} {{^secondary_title}} {{title.raw}} {{/secondary_title}} {{/disable_secondary_title}} {{#disable_secondary_title}} {{ title.raw }} {{/disable_secondary_title}}, 2022 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Most new fighters are in the lowest tier and are signed into contracts that give about $10,000 to $30,000 per fight. How Much Do Lowest Paid UFC Fighters Earn? Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, UFC Fight Night Live Stream: How To Watch 'Vegas 34' Online, De Ridder Believes He Can Take Down Adesanya, Blachowicz, PFL Signs Only Fighter To Defeat Alex Pereira In MMA, US Sports Reporter Dies After Collapsing At Qatar World Cup, UFC fighters earn as little as $10,000 and as high as $3 million per fight, An athlete's earning varies on several factors, including their performance and popularity, Conor McGregor was the highest-paid athlete in the world last year after earning $180 million. This discrepancy is glaringly obvious when you realize that the average US household income is $45,000 per year, and roughly 210 fighters (one-third of all UFC fighters) have an average UFC salary below that mark. Whats even more intriguing than the fighters ability to withstand multiple strikes and overall blows, however, is just how much theyre paid per fight. However, some of the more high-profile fighters can earn up to $500,000, while . According to International Business Times, there are three salary tiers that a UFC fighter can fall into: low, medium, and high, with the lowest earners taking home between $10,000 and $30,000,. For reference, many UFC fighters make only $12,000 to fight. In 2019, Conor didnt fight, but that probably didnt stop him from earning millions and millions from his Proper Twelve sales. UFC events are broadcast within the United States on pay-per-view (PPV) channels and through various other modes of media around the world. There is a basic UFC salary per fight. There are three tiers where a UFC fighters salary per match is based, which could result in payouts as low as $10,000 to as high as $3 million. Bruce Buffer's Salary (UFC) You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. In 2018, 187 fighters in UFC earned six-figure salaries 37% of UFC fighters earned less than $45,000 that year, which was less than the average US household income at the time. Majority of fighters get like ~10k per performance. How Much Do NFL Refs Make? GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes. For an enterprise this massive with an equally vast fan following, it is no wonder that UFC fighter salary and UFC referee salary can reach incredible numbers for highly-anticipated matches. Consider some fun facts to help you understand what UFC fighter salaries are. Heres a breakdown of how much a UFC fighter can make each fight. Professional referees generally get from $1000 to $2500 per fight while they get anywhere from $5000 to $10000 (or even upto $15000) per fight as a bonus in PPV bouts. While the fighters play an exceptionally difficult role in a fight, the referees job is no less challenging. To make up for that, Reebok pays the UFC, which in turn pays each fighter an amount based on how many fights they've had in the UFC. How much are UFC fighters paid? So, there is a lot of question about how, and how much do UFC fighters get paid. The company pays a $50,000 bonus to the two fighters and gives another $50,000 to two fighters who gave the best performances during the event. After theyve established themselves as one of the sports elite, an MMA will often sign a contract with the UFC. 256 fighters (42%) earned six-figures in 2021, up from 219 fighters (38%) in 2020. There is a piece of what they are paid that goes on taxes, coaches, managers, etc. For example, when Conor McGregor lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018, McGregor got paid $3 million in base pay and $40,000 from the Reebok sponsorship deal. It is estimated he can earn up to $25,000 from PPV earnings per match. How Much Do UFC Fighters Make from Sponsorships? According to recent research, MMA fighting (which is customary of UFC) can lead to chronic Encephalopathy (damage or disease that affects the brain), which can lead to memory loss, personality change, seizures, and more. Ask and thou shalt receive!Per @raphamarinho, fight bonuses . Basically, the fighters in the UFC make money on the flat rate they get from the UFC for the fights. All rights reserved. But what if they paid as much as other leagues do? It depends on the popularity of the match and the fighters participating. UFC 257 Payroll (selected fighters): Conor McGregor: $3.04 million ($3 million to show, $40,000 sponsorship bonus) Dustin Poirier: $830,000 ($750,000 to show, $50,000 'Performance of the Night . UFC Salary Structure: How Are UFC Fighters Getting Paid? If he deduced that a deserving fighter was unable to win neither the Fight of the Night, nor the Performance of the Night bonus, then he rewarded that fighter with the bonus. If so, it's probably really common for them to have second jobs. It is estimated that the UFC referee salary per match on average is $500. There are eight weight divisions for men and four for women. Copyright IBTimes 2022. It seems only superstars of the sport are on Khabibs kind of earnings as the second-highest earner in 2019 was Alistair Overeem ($1,730,000). How much are UFC fighters paid? In 2021, UFC signed a deal with Venum. The average earnings of UFC fighters in 2021 were roughly $150,000, which is earned through an average of 3 fights per year, making the average earnings $50,000 per fight. Henry Cavill's #MeToo moment explained Truth behind Ratched's disturbing hydrotherapy scene Opinion: This should be Liverpool's starting XI vs Arsenal Theres no set rate for this base pay, with fighters free to negotiate their own salary with the UFC. After being signed, a UFC fighter will receive base pay, which is the amount theyre guaranteed for making the weight and turning up for the fight. The UFC salary per fight for entry-level fighters is $10,000. In 2018, just before the Khabib fight, Conor McGregor launched his own whiskey, called Proper Twelve. As Bruce Buffer is paid $100,000 for a PPV event, on average Bruce Buffer makes $8,332 per fight at a PPV event (numbered event). The main source of income for UFC fighters in the past was salaries from the fighting. But do they get monthly salaries? He fought twice. For example, Nate Diaz was paid $20,000 for his fight with Michael Johnson but, after submitting Conor McGregor and boosting his profile, Diaz earned $250,000 to fight Anthony Pettis. Answer (1 of 3): not as much as you think. The average UFC fighter salary in 2020 was $147,965. Based on an athletes performance and popularity, their winnings could be drastically different. Conor McGregor said that he earned around $40,000,000 from his three fights in 2016 (two Diaz fights and Eddie Alvarez fight). What is the average salary of a WNBA player. Here is some interesting data (this is just the money they got from fights, win bonuses, fight and performance of the night bonuses, and Venum deals; earnings from PPV and endorsements arent included). While you might think that only the winner would be paid, both fight participants actually take home cash. Low, middle, and high tiers earn between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight, with the highest level earning between $500,000 and $3,000,000 per fight. His first fight with Silva got him 98k from which 50k came. These are the earnings for the low-profile matches and for low-profile referees. Last year, Conor said that he excepts as much as $80,000,000 from his fight with Cowboy Cerrone on UFC 246. Conor McGregor is such an example. With MMA being the fastest growing sport globally (you can check who earns more, UFC fighters or boxers), the global popularity of UFC Fighters has skyrocketed. To take that money into an account, these fighters earnings would be a lot bigger. UFC is by far the biggest MMA promotion and fighters in UFC earn the most. [2]. Does anyone have details on basic / average UFC contracts? This was only a slight increase from the 2019 average UFC salary of $146,673. Lets see how exactly are UFC fighters making money, how much they get paid, and how much are MMA fighters earning outside of the UFC. There are some fighters, who besides being extraordinary at MMA, are also great businessmen. It takes time for a mixed martial artist to make it to the UFC. Khabib earned a whopping $6,090,000 in 2019, while de Padua earned $10,500. Cook Reached Out to Matthew Gray Gubler on IG, Kate and Wills "Refused" to Watch Harry & Meghan. On top of guaranteed payouts for fights, if a fighter wins a fight, they will receive a win bonus that equals the guaranteed amount they got (doubling the amount of money they get). Being a former MMA fighter, he is especially skilled for the role he plays so well. The minimum for competing in the UFC is $10,000 base salary per fight. Worth noticing is that the win bonus applies only to contracts in the lowest and middle-tier, meaning that UFC Champions usually dont get a double amount of money if they win. Their overall earnings for the night can be more though because UFC referees tend to officiate more fights per night. From that fight alone, he made $1900. His most recent clash at UFC 257 sold 1.6 million PPV buys, which is why he reportedly made more than $10 million from his . Those who select in the international leagues or matches receive a salary of $200 000 per year, and it is one of the heights salaries get paid in Premier Leagues. Here is a breakdown of the UFC and Venum deal: As time goes by, UFC fighters are becoming more and more popular. Their fanbase on social networks is going all the way up. It was founded 28 years ago in 1993 and has since held over 500 events promoting MMA fights. If she is removed from the earnings average, then the women are expected to earn only 41% of their male counterparts. It depends on the popularity of the match and the fighters participating. Depending on the tier that they fall into which is largely determined by the size of their fan base theyll take home their base earnings, and if they win, theyll earn an additional prize. Regardless, it does not reflect well on the companys image when you realize that in the UFC 241 event in 2019, the highest-earning male fighter bagged $700,000 while the female UFC champion salary was just shy of $30,000. However, the average salary is inaccurate as its that high mostly because of high earners such as McGregor. Therefore, these fighters are unable to negotiate better deals for themselves. This basic salary does not include airfare and hotel accommodations provided to UFC referees by the commission. They have gained so much notoriety amongst their younger audience that UFC now has an exclusive contract with THQ who has developed UFC video games for Playstation, Xbox as well as Wii. Highest UFC salary 2018: $3M Average UFC Salary 2018: $10k Median UFC Salary 2018: $73k Average Salary outside UFC: $20k How MMA fighters get paid The exact amount a MMA fighter gets paid depends on the their contract and the promotion. If sufficient fights are not offered, they are still compensated by the UFC for the fights not offered. With each round lasting five minutes, fights three or five rounds in. I will take UFC 229 as an example (just the five main fights). Not only this, but the most successful ring girls can use their UFC job as a launchpad for a bigger career. Twelve. They earned much more because of the PPV sales but those numbers are undisclosed. . Their chance to earn significant paychecks largely depends on how swiftly they rise amongst player rankings and the public image that can help them get sponsorship deals from multimillion-dollar companies. The money they get from PPV and endorsement isnt included. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American-based company that has now grown to become the worlds biggest promoter of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Initially, UFC fights did not command the mainstream media coverage they do now. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. There are a ton of different companies that have deals with the UFC fighters. If he deduced that a deserving fighter was unable to win neither the Fight of the Night, nor the Performance of the Night bonus, then he rewarded that fighter with the bonus. UFC : leading Pay- Per -View events as of August 2022, by buys; UFC : number of Pay- Per -Views sold 2001-2014; . Generally, we can divide payouts for fighting into three categories based on the contract fighters got from the UFC. Amateur MMA fighters are not getting paid for their fights. . The UFC will usually pay an average fighter between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight, not including performance bonuses. But, there are also some other promotions where MMA fighters can earn significant money: Although the UFC fighters can earn the biggest amount of money, other MMA promotions are listed above where fighters can earn a significant amount of money. How much money does UFC make per fight? Now, athletes who have a large number of fans or followers on social media platforms attract high-profile brands and sponsors, as per Way of Martial Arts. The average UFC fighter earned $147,965 in 2020, up from $146,673 in 2019. Which means, for two fights (FYI: hes only had three since 2016), he earned $52,000,000 dollars. How much do female UFC fighters get paid? This is because MMA fighting is a relatively new sport and is still establishing itself. Here is a list of fighters with the highest earnings through their UFC careers (this is just the money they got from fights, win bonuses, fight and performance of the night bonuses, and Venum deals; earnings from PPV and endorsements arent included): As I have already mentioned, it is worth knowing that these numbers are just from regular fight contracts, win bonuses, fight, and performance of the night bonuses and Venum deals. At Bellator, fighters are allowed their own sponsors and, as a result, earn more money from sponsorships than they would at the UFC. This discrepancy is glaringly obvious when you realize that the average US household income is $45,000 per year, and roughly 210 fighters (one-third of all UFC fighters) have an average UFC salary below that mark. Referee Salary 2022 |, What is NBA Referee Salary in 2022?Latest, Patent Lawyer Salary in 2022 USA Actual Salary |, Medical Lawyer Salary in 2022 Average Wage | CareerExplorer, How Much Do NBA Scouts Make?Scout Salary 2022| CareerExplorer, Echocardiography Salary -8 Things You Need to Know About in 2022. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world today, and the popularity of the UFC and its fighters has skyrocketed over the years. Now, to further illustrate the lucrative world of UFC earnings, lets look at Conor McGregor, a.k.a. Big John McCarthy, a well-known name in the UFC referee community was able to mediate the infamous match-up of Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo in 2017. What is a Corporate Lawyer Salary in Texas? However, this does not impact my reviews and comparisons. So, a referee presiding over 4 fights can earn over $1000 in one night. The average household income in the U.S. is around $25,000 per year, and 19% of the UFC roster made less (116 fighters to be precise). The bigger revenue a match or event is expected to generate, the bigger a referees paycheck can be. UFC Fight Night: fighter earning totals in September 2019; UFC : shortest average fight . Critics of this analysis, however, remind you that women almost always play fewer rounds than their male counterparts. Only 219 fighters in the league, which is about 38% of the total athletes at the time, made six-figure salaries. Fighters also need to pay 10-20% of their purse which goes to their coaches and training partners. Are they paid per fight or given a salary? Conor McGregor is the highest paid athlete in the world for a reason. These events feature fights between UFCs biggest stars and Championship fights. The highest-paid UFC fighter was Conor McGregor, with $10,022,000 (without PPV bonuses). All Rights Reserved. Having those huge followings on social networks, UFC fighters are a perfect way for companies to promote their products. Celebrities and Fans Rally Around Cline Dion, See Dakota Johnson's Shocking Crystal Outfit on IG, Every theory about who dies in The White Lotus. UFC also ensures that two fighters that participate in the best and most interesting fight of the night receive a $50,000 bonus. 2% of $50,000 is $1,000 per fight, but it may be possible a cutman is mostly working for a flat rate rather than a 2% fee, so they receive $500 per fight, and this halves . Each fighter signs a contract for a certain amount of fights, and they are paid a fixed amount of money each time they step inside the Octagon. The credit for UFCs rise in popularity globally and its status as a multibillion-dollar enterprise goes to its long-serving president since 2001, Dana White. For others, its all about the money. Since the UFC headquarters are based in Nevada, according to reputable sources, the Nevada state commission has the highest UFC referee salary in the United States. (2022 Earnings Revealed!). The wage gap is further increased in comparison to sports such as basketball and football. These are the earnings for the low-profile matches and for low-profile referees. As time goes by, more and more UFC fighters are making a lot of money from those sources of income as well as from regular paychecks. McGregor is an anomaly in the finances of the sport, however. The sponsorship deals combined with his cut of the pay-per-view revenue are rumored to be upwards of $50 million for that single fight in 2018. Critics of this analysis, however, remind you that women almost always play fewer rounds than their male counterparts. Information for bonuses from PPVs is often undisclosed. [1]. Meanwhile, some fighters argue that they are extremely underpaid. Here's a breakdown of how much a UFC fighter can make each fight. The deal obligated all of the UFC fighters to wear Venum equipment exclusively during the fights. Often only champions, popular fighters and those taking part in a major fight will benefit from PPV points. Despite infamously losing to Dustin Poirier in January 2021, Conor took home a jaw-dropping $22,000,000. UFC plays by the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts and a referee has to be well-versed with those rules. The average UFC salary for female fighters is claimed to be 61% of their male peers if the most notable and successful female UFC champion Ronda Rousey is kept in the analysis. I feel by the time 2016 closes out, Ill be closing in on $40 million. Nurmagomedov was the highest-paid UFC fighter that year with estimated earnings of $6,090,000, excluding pay-per-view bonuses. However this figure is skewed by the much greater . Manage SettingsContinue with Recommended Cookies. mighy mouse Demetrius Johnson was making 400k a fight UFC 216 Results: Full Fighter Salaries Trent Reinsmith Contributor i SportsMoney UFC fans witnessed history on Saturday night . PPV points are a small percentage of money paid by an audience to watch events. If you multiply that with the lower end of the UFC salary of $400, that is earnings of $48,000 a year. MMA / How Much Do UFC Fighters Get Paid? Middle-tier fighters are those who have won a few matches and have begun making a name for themselves. She is a graduate of George Mason University. McGregor brought home $22,000,000 in January 2021, despite losing. How much does the average UFC fighter get paid: UFC average salary The MMA Manifesto claims that last year the average salary of a UFC fighter stood at $147,965, with fighters like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Israel Adesanya and others making far more than an ordinary competitor. [1] Minimum pay in WNBA is $37,950 for the year. For example, Marc Goddard got $2500 for his services in UFC 279 PPV main event bout between Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson. 116 fighters (19%) made less than the average U.S. income ($25,000). Due to his reputation, he is in a position to negotiate hefty contracts which allow him a cut of the pay-per-view earnings from the fights he oversees. [1]. More people that buy PPV for that event means more money for them. The median income for UFC fighters in 2018 was $68,000, while the average was $138,250. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There were 17 UFC fighters who had a Championship belt (including the interim belt) in 2021; they earned an average of $675,824 (a decrease from last years $1,001,071). The UFC referee pay is usually fixed per match. Kamaru Usman was the highest-paid UFC champion in 2021; he got paid $2,024,000 (without PPV bonuses). Some numbers were somewhat public. According to .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}International Business Times, there are three salary tiers that a UFC fighter can fall into: low, medium, and high, with the lowest earners taking home between $10,000 and $30,000, and the highest tier raking in between $500,000 and $3,000,000 per fight. Whatever the outcome is (. For that, all UFC fighters are getting payouts from Venum sponsorship every time they fight. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device.We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development.An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images. I may receive commissions when you click my links and make purchases. 3 Fights is normally what the UFC offers to new fighters as a contract before they're released . 30. [4] The median average wage for a top 15 fighter in the UFC is just $30,500 per year. When Are New Episodes of 'Harry and Meghan' Out? How Much Money Do MMA Fighters Outside of the UFC Make? I know that they are payed per fight by UFC and Reebok and sometimes they win bonuses. Winning fights also allows athletes to earn bonuses that can double their guaranteed payouts. Since Conor was victorious, he won $3 million and Nate was close behind, earning $2 million. More MMA fighting gyms are propping up around the country and this will surely help discover more talent. From May 2020 to May 2021, the UFC legend made $22 million from fights and a lucrative $158 million from his business ventures. Looking at some high-profile fights, we can see what a notable referee can pocket should he get a chance to officiate those fights. UFC fighters can earn more per fight based on other factors such as: Win bonuses. When comparing UFC to similar sports such as boxing, it is obvious that both, the UFC fighters and referees earn significantly less. In 2020, the average contracted UFC fighter made approximately $148,000 when bonuses and base salary were added up. The salary of an average fighter (excluding pay-per-view headliners) comprises the appearance fee and the win bonus for the victor. The average UFC fighter salary in 2020 was $147,965. Those MMA fighters with a contract with UFC are required to be offered a minimum of three fights per calendar year. But, in recent years, there were some changes in sources of income for the fighters. Here Is What You Need to Know. In 2020, the average UFC fighter earned $147,965, which is an increase of 0.88% from 2019's average salary of $146,673.. The sponsorship deals combined with his cut of the pay-per-view revenue are rumored to be upwards of $50 million for that single fight in 2018. Another category of fighters in the UFC earning less is the women fighters. Amateur MMA fighters can get their expenses paid, but they will not receive additional payouts for fights. This payment is also known as fight night incentive pay as fight nights are the most lucrative events for the UFC, attracting more viewers and more sponsorship fees from Reebok. He was relentless in his prime, and it's no wonder he got big bucks for some of his octagon appearances. Now that you know how UFC fighters earn their money, lets see how much money the UFC fighters got paid in 2021. But in recent years, officials have changed the structure due to the rapid growth of MMA as a global sport. Were familiar with UFC superstars such as Conor McGregor showing off their wealth but is this the case for every UFC fighter? Mitchell is 5-0 and Topuria is 3-0. It is a perfect way for UFC fighters to cash in their popularity and for the companies to place their products in front of millions and millions of fan eyes. How Much Does a UFC Fighter Make Per Fight. While these bonuses and the basic UFC fighter salary have to be disclosed to the state athletic commission, other earnings are largely kept under wraps and are rarely leaked to the public. The credit for UFCs rise in popularity globally and its status as a multibillion-dollar enterprise goes to its long-serving president since 2001, Dana White. In addition to this basic UFC salary, there is an opportunity for fighters to grab bonuses. In general, UFC earns a little over $2 Million in gates, an undisclosed amount for TV rights, andbetween 80 and 120 Million for PPV events. Nevada State Athletic Commission states that the word amateur describes an athlete who competes in a sport while being unpaid. AT CAREER EXPLORER, WE LET YOU EXPLORE THE LATEST CAREERS AND BRING YOU THE LATEST SALARIES OF DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS ALL AROUND THE GLOBE. The UFC is home to some of the highest-paid athletes in the world, including household names like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who earn millions each match. how much does a ufc referee make per fight Racq Gold Membership Benefits , Acid Base Reaction Equations Examples , Alice Clopton Obituary , 512 Mora Meaning , Giger And Davidhizar Transcultural Assessment Model Ppt , David Crystal Enciclopedia Del Lenguaje Madrid Taurus, 1994 , In 2017, Conor and Mayweather participated in The Biggest Fight in the History of Combat Sports, also called The Money Fight, generating the second highest PPV number of all time (just behind Mayweather vs. Pacquiao). Sign up and stay up to date with our daily newsletter. When you combine that with 89 UFC and Bellator fights he refereed, he managed to earn a sum, just shy of $50,000. In that case, the least-valued fighters on the roster should get at least $88,000 per year. The highest-paid UFC fighter in 2021 that wasnt a champion was Conor McGregor with $10,022,000 (without PPV bonuses). Robbie Lawler - $4,043,000 Robbie Lawler was a very influential and beloved UFC welterweight champion. His last fight before that was in January 2020, in which he earned $30,000,000 for knocking out Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone. This ranges from $3,500 to $40,000. Like any competitive sport, a referee is required to officiate the game and ensure fair play. The referees are equally subjected to a crowds loud opinion much like the fighters. UFC doesnt publicly release which fighters have a PPV bonus clause and how much they get from it. It was founded 28 years ago in 1993 and has since held over 500 events promoting MMA fights. Worth noticing is that these tiers are rounded, and there are a ton of exceptions and payouts outside those ranges. PPV points are the main reason Conor McGregor became the wealthiest UFC fighter in the game as the hype around him led to consistently huge PPV audiences. the highest-paid athlete in the world. Could Khabib Nurmagomedov be in line for a super fight next? Although the fighters are integral to the name, fame, and legacy behind the UFC, the matches would not be possible without the contribution and keen eye of skilled referees. He has a majority stake in the brand that he sold to the American drinks company for about $150 million, as per ESPN. Many elite mixed martial artists (MMA) enter the UFC with a dream of being a champion for them its all about wearing that black and gold belt one day. To further encapsulate how UFC earnings work, let's use Conor McGregor, who is the highest-paid athlete in 2021, as an example. How Much Do UFC Fighters Get Paid? As he is a sharp dresser himself, Conor launched a luxury clothing line for men called August McGregor. Despite that, they have to keep their presence of mind, drown out the noise and ensure that they do not miss a foul. Because they get a percentage of it, it is a perfect model for fighters to do their best when promoting the fight. A referees decision can make or break a game for the crowds favorite and so, the referees try hard not to succumb to that pressure while ethically completing their duty. They have at least finished one foe each in those runs, both of them starting no earlier than March 2019. [5] Floyd Mayweather, in the 12 months between summer 2011 and summer 2012, made approximately four times more in guaranteed salary than the entire UFC roster combined. Lets take a look at an example of how UFC fighters get paid for fighting in the event. 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