Which UFC Fight Made The Most Money?

Since its commencement as an underground fighting league, the UFC has evolved into a sporting powerhouse. As the UFC continues to rise in popularity and revenue, it has obtained the ability to give huge pay outs to its top stars. In this article, we'll explore the UFC fight that made the most money, focusing on the fighters involved and the effect on the sport.

The Biggest Money-Making Fight: Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 257

One of the most rewarding fights in UFC history took place on January 23, 2021, at UFC 257. This event featured a rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. While McGregor lost the fight, the financial success was a huge victory for both him and the UFC.

The rematch between McGregor and Poirier was highly envisioned. Their first fight, in 2014, ended with McGregor winning by knockout in the first round. Both fighters had evolved significantly, making the rematch even more intriguing for fans.

In the lead-up to UFC 257, McGregor and Poirier engaged in a considerate promotional campaign, which was a departure from McGregor's usual brash style. This new tactic helped build excitement and eagerness for the fight, drawing in fans who were curious to see how McGregor would perform after a year-long pause from the octagon.

The Fight and Its Outcome: The fight itself was an electrifying contest. Poirier carried out a perfect game plan, utilizing leg kicks to weaken McGregor's mobility and eventually securing a knockout achievement in the second round. While McGregor's loss was a surprise to many, the financial success of the event was unquestionable.

McGregor's Earnings from UFC 257: Regardless of losing the fight, Conor McGregor walked away with a substantial payday. Reports indicate that McGregor earned $5 million just for showing up to the fight. This was only a fraction of his total earnings from the event.

In addition to his guaranteed purse, McGregor earned notable income from his share of the pay-per-view (PPV) sales and sponsorship deals. UFC 257 reportedly sold around 1.6 million PPV buys, making it one of the best-selling UFC events of all time. McGregor's cut from the PPV sales, along with his sponsorship earnings, brought his total income from the fight to an estimated $20 million.

The UFC's Financial Model: The UFC's financial model relies heavily on pay-per-view sales, ticket sales, and sponsorships. The organization has perfected the art of promoting fights and forming narratives that captured audiences. High-profile fighters like Conor McGregor play a crucial role in this model, as their star power can significantly boost PPV sales and overall revenue.

The Broader Impact on the UFC

The financial success of UFC 257 and McGregor's ability to draw massive audiences have broader consequences for the UFC:

1. Increased Popularity and Revenue: High-grossing events like UFC 257 contribute to the UFC's overall growth in popularity and revenue. These events attract new fans, generate media coverage, and form more opportunities for sponsorship deals.

2. Higher Fighter Pay-outs:  As the UFC grows financially, it can offer to pay its top fighters more. This not only attracts top talent but also encourages and stimulates fighters to put on exciting performances that draw in fans.

3. Global Expansion: The success of fighters like McGregor helps the UFC expand its reach globally. McGregor's allure extends beyond traditional MMA fans, drawing in casual viewers from around the world and helping the UFC tap into new markets.

In conclusion, the UFC fight that made the most money was Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. Regardless of losing the fight, McGregor walked away with an estimated $20 million, thanks to his guaranteed purse, PPV share, and sponsorship deals. This fight highlighted McGregor's drawing power and represented the UFC's ability to generate significant revenue through well-promoted events. As the UFC continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting and financially successful fights in the future.

Cover Credits - BBC