The UFC has grown to become one of the most successful sports organizations in the world, achieving tremendous popularity, especially through its pay-per-view (PPV) events. These PPV events, which draw millions of viewers and generate massive revenue, have helped cement the UFC’s place in combat sports alongside boxing. A key factor in this success has been the star power of its fighters, with names like Conor McGregor, Brock Lesnar, and Jorge Masvidal headlining some of the most lucrative events in MMA history.

Conor McGregor, in particular, has been a dominant force in the PPV landscape. Known for his brash personality, incredible fighting skills, and unparalleled marketability, McGregor has headlined some of the UFC’s highest-grossing events. His ability to generate excitement and attract fans from all over the world has made him a driving force in the UFC’s rise to prominence. This article takes a look at the ten highest-earning UFC PPV events in history, highlighting the fighters and moments that helped propel these events to the top.

UFC 229: Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor

At the top of the list is UFC 229, featuring the bitter rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. This event, which took place in October 2018, shattered previous PPV records, with 2.4 million PPV buys and an astounding $180 million in revenue. The buildup to this fight was intense, fueled by personal animosities and trash talk between the two fighters. The fight itself lived up to the hype, as Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor by submission in the fourth round, further solidifying his undefeated legacy. Despite the unsavory brawl that erupted post-fight, UFC 229 remains the highest-earning event in UFC history.

UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3

Coming in second on the list is the third bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Held in July 2021, the event generated 1.8 million PPV buys and $120 million in revenue. The anticipation was sky-high, as McGregor and Poirier had already faced off twice before. However, the fight ended in tragic fashion for McGregor, who suffered a gruesome leg injury in the first round, leading to a technical knockout and a second straight win for Poirier. Despite McGregor’s setback, the event proved to be a massive financial success.

UFC 202: Diaz vs. McGregor II

The second meeting between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz at UFC 202 in August 2016 ranks third on the list. This highly anticipated rematch saw McGregor seeking redemption after Diaz handed him his first UFC loss. The event generated 1.65 million PPV buys and $90 million in revenue. McGregor emerged victorious, winning by majority decision in a thrilling five-round fight, and the rivalry between the two fighters only intensified after this encounter. Their rivalry was one of the most talked-about in UFC history, making this PPV event a massive success.

UFC 257: McGregor vs. Poirier 2

UFC 257, which took place in January 2021, featured the highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. McGregor entered the fight as the favorite, having previously defeated Poirier in 2014. However, Poirier shocked the world by stopping McGregor in the second round via TKO, earning 1.6 million PPV buys and $100 million in revenue. This event marked a turning point in McGregor’s career, as he had been aiming for a title shot, but Poirier’s victory set the stage for a trilogy fight later that year.

UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir II

UFC 100, held in July 2009, marked a significant milestone for the promotion, with Brock Lesnar defending his UFC Heavyweight Championship against Frank Mir in a rematch of their previous bout. The event garnered 1.6 million PPV buys and $82 million in revenue, making it one of the biggest in UFC history at the time. Lesnar avenged his loss to Mir by securing a second-round TKO victory, further cementing his status as one of the biggest stars in MMA. UFC 100 helped the promotion reach new heights in terms of mainstream visibility, thanks in large part to Lesnar’s crossover appeal from professional wrestling.

UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz

At UFC 196 in March 2016, Conor McGregor faced Nate Diaz in a welterweight showdown after McGregor’s initial opponent pulled out. Despite McGregor’s status as the favorite, Diaz shocked the world by submitting McGregor in the second round. This unexpected loss fueled the fire for a rematch, and the event itself was a massive success, drawing 1.5 million PPV buys and $80 million in revenue. The popularity of both McGregor and Diaz ensured that this fight, despite McGregor’s defeat, was a huge financial success.

UFC 246: McGregor vs. Cerrone

UFC 246, which took place in January 2020, marked Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon after a lengthy hiatus. He faced Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and the event generated 1.35 million PPV buys and $90 million in revenue. McGregor made a triumphant return, securing a quick 40-second TKO victory over Cerrone. The spectacle of McGregor’s return helped drive interest in the event, making it one of the most successful PPVs in UFC history.

UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor

UFC 205, held in November 2016 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was historic not only for the action in the octagon but also for McGregor’s achievement in becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously. He faced Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title after having already won the featherweight title. The event generated 1.3 million PPV buys and $83 million in revenue. McGregor’s second-round stoppage of Alvarez was a defining moment in UFC history, as it solidified his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal

UFC 251, which took place in July 2020, featured a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. The event generated 1.3 million PPV buys and $90 million in revenue. Usman successfully defended his title, defeating Masvidal by unanimous decision. The high level of competition between the two fighters, along with Masvidal’s popularity as a PPV draw, helped make this event a financial success.

UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor

Finally, UFC 194, held in December 2015, marked one of the most unforgettable moments in UFC history when Conor McGregor knocked out José Aldo in just 13 seconds to win the undisputed featherweight title. The event generated 1.2 million PPV buys and $80 million in revenue, and McGregor’s victory propelled him to superstardom. This iconic moment remains one of the most talked-about finishes in UFC history and cemented McGregor’s place as one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Conclusion

These top-earning UFC PPV events highlight not only the talent of the fighters but also the immense drawing power of stars like Conor McGregor. The UFC’s ability to create thrilling matchups and compelling storylines has allowed it to become a global phenomenon, rivaling boxing in terms of popularity and revenue generation. As the UFC continues to grow, we can expect even more historic events that will further solidify its place in combat sports history.