Middleweight UFC Fighter Salaries: Inside the Division’s Richest Stars and Biggest Paydays

Middleweight fighters salaries put the division among UFC’s elite earners. Israel Adesanya banked $18.5 million across his championship reign.

Anderson Silva made $30 million during his legendary run. Even newer champions like Sean Strickland command seven-figure purses.

This weight class combines technical brilliance with marketability. Champions earn millions per title defense while building global brands through endorsements and crossover appeal.

10 Highest Paid UFC Fighters in Middleweight Division Ranked

Middleweight has produced some of UFC’s wealthiest athletes through long championship reigns and massive pay-per-view numbers.

Anderson Silva’s decade-long dominance set the financial blueprint, while Israel Adesanya modernized it with social media savvy and global appeal that translated into record-breaking contracts.

Anderson Silva reigns as the richest middleweight despite retiring years ago. His $30 million UFC earnings came from a record 16-fight win streak and multiple seven-figure paydays, including $4.2 million against Daniel Cormier at UFC 200.

Israel Adesanya revolutionized middleweight pay with his $18.5 million in total UFC earnings. His Nike sponsorship and massive social media following helped him negotiate one of the promotion’s richest contracts in 2022, reportedly matching Conor McGregor’s tier.

Sean Strickland shocked the world defeating Adesanya, then earned $1.53 million for that upset victory. Despite his controversial personality, Strickland’s authenticity resonates with fans and keeps him in high-paying main events even after losing his title.

Who Is the Highest Paid Middleweight Fighter?

Anderson Silva accumulated the most career earnings in middleweight history with approximately $30 million from UFC alone. His highest single payday was $4.2 million fighting Daniel Cormier in 2016, though that bout ended in a no-contest.

The Spider’s financial dominance came from consistent PPV headlining throughout his championship reign. He earned over $3 million for his fights against Chris Weidman, Nick Diaz, and Michael Bisping during his later career years.

Beyond the octagon, Silva transitioned to boxing after leaving UFC. His 2021 bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. guaranteed him between $500,000 and $1 million, adding to his post-UFC earnings alongside exhibition matches.

Silva’s legacy includes not just the longest title reign but also establishing middleweight as a premiere division financially. His drawing power proved 185-pounders could generate massive PPV numbers traditionally reserved for heavier weight classes.

Middleweight Champion Earnings Evolution

Israel Adesanya doubled his wealth during his championship reign despite losing and regaining the title. His 2022 contract renegotiation coincided with back-to-back $2 million purses against Alex Pereira, with total fight night earnings exceeding $2.8 million each.

Sean Strickland’s explosive 400% growth came from upset victories nobody expected. His $1.53 million payday defeating Adesanya launched him from mid-tier earner to championship money, though his subsequent title loss to Du Plessis reduced his base to $500,000.

Dricus Du Plessis represents the new generation with 650% growth in just two years. His UFC 297 championship win against Strickland paid $632,000, while his base salary jumped from $50,000 debut to $300,000 as champion.

Paulo Costa’s growth reflects the value of exciting fighting style even without winning titles. His wars against Adesanya and Whittaker kept him in high-paying fights despite inconsistent results.

What Do Middleweight Title Fights Actually Pay?

Current champion Dricus Du Plessis earned $632,000 winning the title from Sean Strickland at UFC 297. His base pay of $300,000 doubled with championship bonuses and sponsorship adding $32,000 more.

Israel Adesanya commanded $2 million base pay during his championship peak. His total earnings reached $2.8 million per defense when including PPV points, performance bonuses, and Venum sponsorship money.

Robert Whittaker exemplifies challenger pay structures. He earned $632,000 in his rematch loss to Adesanya with a $600,000 base salary. His first title shot paid $540,000 including a $100,000 performance bonus despite losing.

Sean Strickland’s rollercoaster earnings tell a fascinating story. As defending champion against Du Plessis, he earned seven figures with PPV points. After losing, his base dropped to $600,000 against Paulo Costa, though total compensation still hit $1.2 million.

Anderson Silva’s Boxing Bonanza Beyond UFC

Anderson Silva added millions to his fortune through boxing after leaving UFC. His 2021 match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. paid between $500,000 and $1 million guaranteed, plus an extra $100,000 when Chavez missed weight.

Silva also collected 30% of Tito Ortiz’s purse when Ortiz failed to make weight for their boxing exhibition. These penalty bonuses created unexpected windfalls beyond contracted amounts.

His boxing transition proved former UFC champions can extend earning years through crossover matches. Silva competed in multiple exhibitions and traditional bouts, each adding six figures to his retirement fund.

The Spider’s post-UFC boxing career demonstrates the financial opportunities available for legendary fighters. His name recognition translated directly into boxing promoter interest and substantial guaranteed purses.

Current Middleweight Money Makers

Israel Adesanya remains the division’s top earner with his Nike endorsement making him the only middleweight with a major athletic brand partnership. His anime collaborations and Puma deal add multiple six-figure streams beyond fighting.

Sean Strickland monetizes controversy through his podcast and social media presence. His unfiltered personality drives engagement that translates into sponsorship opportunities and UFC keeping him in high-profile matchups.

Robert Whittaker built steady income through consistent performance. His $200,000 base salary increased to $600,000 for title fights, with PPV points and bonuses regularly pushing total compensation above $630,000.

Paulo Costa leverages his physique for supplement endorsements. His muscular build makes him perfect for fitness brands, adding sponsorship money beyond his $300,000 base fight purses.

FAQs

How much did Israel Adesanya make from his Alex Pereira fights?

Israel Adesanya earned approximately $5.4 million combined from his two fights with Alex Pereira. The first bout at UFC 281 paid $2.64 million, while his revenge victory at UFC 287 earned $2.8 million including base pay, bonuses, and PPV revenue.

Does Anderson Silva still make money from UFC?

Anderson Silva no longer earns UFC fight purses but continues making money through boxing exhibitions and his legendary status. His $14 million net worth remains stable through appearance fees, speaking engagements, and endorsement deals in Brazil.

Why did Sean Strickland’s salary drop after becoming champion?

Strickland’s base salary actually increased to $850,000 when he won the title. After losing to Dricus Du Plessis, his base dropped to $500,000-$600,000 as a non-champion, though PPV points and bonuses still put his total earnings over $1 million per fight.

What’s the biggest middleweight purse ever paid?

Anderson Silva’s $4.2 million payday against Daniel Cormier at UFC 200 stands as the largest disclosed middleweight purse in UFC history, though modern champions like Adesanya likely earn comparable amounts when including undisclosed PPV bonuses.