Mixed martial arts and boxing are two of the most popular combat sports in the world today. Fighters in these sports risk life and limb every time they step into the ring or the octagon to compete. The most popular fighters in these sports are rewarded handsomely for their efforts, earning millions of dollars in prize money and endorsements.

The earnings of the most popular fighters in these sports come from various sources. One of the primary sources of income for fighters is their purses, which is the amount of money they receive for competing in a fight. Other sources of income for fighters include endorsements, sponsorships, and appearance fees.

Jake Paul

In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the world of combat sports. Influencers and celebrities have started to dip their toes in the world of combat sports, often with lucrative results. One such example is Jake Paul, a YouTuber and social media influencer who has become a prominent figure in the world of boxing.

Jake Paul made his professional boxing debut in January 2020, defeating fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib by TKO in the first round. Since then, he has fought three more times, winning all three fights by knockout. His opponents have included former NBA player Nate Robinson, retired UFC fighter Ben Askren, and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

Despite the fact that he has only been boxing for a little over two years, Jake Paul has quickly become one of the most popular fighters in the sport. His fights have generated millions of pay-per-view buys, and he has become a major draw for fans of combat sports.

So, how much money does Jake Paul make from his fights? According to Forbes, he earned $10 million for his fight against Ben Askren in April 2021. That figure includes both his guaranteed purse and his share of the pay-per-view revenue generated by the fight.

In addition to his earnings from fighting, Jake Paul also earns a significant amount of money from endorsements and sponsorships. He has worked with a number of brands, including fashion retailer Boohoo, energy drink company Red Bull, and sports supplement company Triller Fight Club.

Furthermore, Jake has managed to grab the attention of all MMA fans, considering how his fight with Tommy Fury is considered as one of the most anticipated fights in 2023.

But Jake Paul is not the only fighter who earns a significant amount of money from his fights. In fact, some of the most popular fighters in the world earn tens of millions of dollars per year from their fights and endorsements.

Conor McGregor

One such fighter is Conor McGregor, a former two-division champion in the UFC. McGregor is one of the most popular fighters in the world, with a massive following on social media and a larger-than-life personality that makes him a major draw for fans.

McGregor has earned a significant amount of money from his fights over the years. According to Forbes, he earned $180 million in 2020, with the majority of that money coming from his fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. That fight generated an estimated $700 million in revenue, with McGregor earning $85 million for his efforts.

Canelo Alvarez

Another fighter who earns a significant amount of money from his fights is Canelo Alvarez, a four-division world champion in boxing. Alvarez is one of the most popular fighters in the world, with a massive following in Mexico and beyond.

Alvarez signed a lucrative 11-fight, $365 million deal with streaming service DAZN in 2018, which has allowed him to earn a significant amount of money from his fights. According to Forbes, he earned $94 million in 2020, with the majority of that money coming from his fight against Callum Smith in December 2020.

Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather is another fighter who has earned a significant amount of money from his fights. Mayweather is considered by many to be one of the best boxers of all time, with an undefeated record of 50-0.

Mayweather has earned a staggering amount of money over the course of his career, with Forbes estimating his career earnings at over $1 billion. His fights against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor are two of the highest-grossing fights in combat sports history, with Mayweather earning tens of millions of dollars for each bout.

Anthony Joshua

Another fighter who has earned a significant amount of money from his fights is Anthony Joshua, the current unified heavyweight boxing champion. Joshua is one of the most popular fighters in the world, with a massive following in the UK and beyond.

According to Forbes, Joshua earned $47 million in 2020, with the majority of that money coming from his fight against Kubrat Pulev in December 2020. Joshua has also earned a significant amount of money from endorsements and sponsorships, working with brands such as Under Armour, Jaguar, and Lucozade.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

In the world of MMA, there are several fighters who have earned a significant amount of money from their fights and endorsements. One such fighter is Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former UFC lightweight champion who retired from the sport in 2020 with an undefeated record of 29-0.

Nurmagomedov has earned a significant amount of money from his fights over the years, with Forbes estimating his career earnings at $40 million. He has also earned a significant amount of money from endorsements and sponsorships, working with brands such as Reebok, Gorilla Energy, and Toyota.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most popular fighters in combat sports today are able to earn significant amounts of money from their fights and endorsements. Jake Paul, Conor McGregor, Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather, Anthony Joshua and Khabib Nurmagomedov are just a few examples of fighters who have earned tens of millions of dollars from their efforts in the ring or octagon.

While some critics may argue that these fighters are overpaid, it is important to remember that they are putting their health and well-being on the line every time they step into the ring or octagon. These fighters are some of the best athletes in the world, and they deserve to be compensated for their hard work and dedication to their sport.

As the world of combat sports continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how much money the most popular fighters are able to earn in the years to come. One thing is certain – as long as there are fans who are willing to pay to watch these athletes compete, the most popular fighters will continue to earn significant amounts of money from their efforts in the ring or octagon.