‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey was a pioneer for female MMA and is back to fight Gina Carano. Without her, the UFC would have never thought in involving females as part of the organization’s roster. President Dana White said it himself. It’s been note-worthy that White and Rousey have always had an incredible relationship, hence it’s shocking to see that her return is outside of the UFC and with Jake Paul, who is not a friend of Dana White whatsoever.

Rousey has a 12-2 MMA record. Unfortunately for her, the last two bouts were her defeats, both by the way of knockout. During her prime, Rousey had an invincible aura around her. Out of her 12 wins, she finished all 12 of them, nine by submission, three by KO. Out of those submissions, all were by armbar.

Who will Rousey fight against?

Rousey will fight against Gina Carano, who was regarded as one of the best MMA female fighters during the 2000s. Carano has a 7-1 record, but hasn’t fought since 2009 where she was knocked out by Cris Cyborg on a Strikeforce event.

Carano has four finishes in her career, three by knockout. She then transitioned into a television and film career. Her filmography includes roles in Fast & Furious 6 and Deadpool, and the Mandalorian. At 43 years old, Carano is back in the octagon against Rousey, who is four years younger.

Details on Rousey vs Carano

According to Netflix, this will be a five-minute, five-round fight. Basically, as if it was a title bout. It will take place on May 16 on one of the newest venues in the United States, the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.

From the humblest cages to the brightest arenas in the world, mixed martial arts have given rise to true titans of combat. It’s not just about brute strength or refined technique—it goes beyond that.

It’s a blend of courage, strategy and, in many cases, a touch of madness. Every fighter who has stepped into the octagon has left something behind—blood, sweat or a story to tell—but only a select few have reached legendary status.

These pioneers, from those who laid the foundation to the current champions who continue to elevate the level of competition, have all contributed to the growth and worldwide popularity of MMA.

25. Valentina Shevchenko

Hailing from Kyrgyzstan, Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko is renowned for her striking precision and tactical prowess. With a background in Muay Thai and kickboxing, she seamlessly transitioned into MMA, dominating the flyweight division.

Her title defenses in the UFC have showcased her versatility, blending striking and grappling with seamless fluidity. Beyond her athletic achievements, her disciplined approach and dedication to martial arts have solidified her status as one of the premier fighters in women’s MMA.

24. Antonio Nogueira

Antônio “Minotauro” Nogueira is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist whose resilience and submission skills earned him legendary status. As a former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion, his ability to withstand punishment and secure victories from seemingly insurmountable positions made him a fan favorite. His epic battles, particularly in PRIDE, are etched in MMA history, reflecting his warrior spirit and technical mastery.

23. Max Holloway

Max “Blessed” Holloway, from Hawaii, is celebrated for his relentless pace and striking volume. As a former UFC featherweight champion, his tenure was marked by notable victories over elite competition. His ability to adapt and push the tempo has made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch, embodying the fighting spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.

22. Robbie Lawler

Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler‘s career is a testament to perseverance and tenacity. After initial ups and downs, his resurgence led him to capture the UFC welterweight title. His bouts, characterized by their intensity and ferocity, have become classics, showcasing his willingness to engage in all-out wars and his unyielding determination.

21. Matt Hughes

Matt Hughes, a dominant force in the welterweight division during the early 2000s, utilized his wrestling pedigree to control and overpower opponents. As a two-time UFC welterweight champion, his rivalries and title defenses have cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greats, influencing a generation of fighters with his grappling-centric approach.

20. Eddie Alvarez

Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez‘s career is marked by his success across multiple organizations, including Bellator and the UFC. Known for his gritty fighting style and resilience, his ability to adapt and overcome adversity has earned him respect and accolades, including the UFC lightweight championship.

19. Israel Adesanya

Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya has captivated the MMA world with his striking artistry and charisma. As a former kickboxer, his transition to MMA has been seamless, capturing the UFC middleweight title and defending it against top contenders. His ability to read opponents and execute precise techniques has set him apart as a striking savant.

18. Henry Cejudo

Henry “Triple C” Cejudo‘s athletic journey is nothing short of remarkable. An Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, he transitioned to MMA and achieved the rare feat of becoming a two-division UFC champion (flyweight and bantamweight). His evolution from a wrestler to a well-rounded mixed martial artist underscores his dedication and competitive spirit.

17. Ronda Rousey

Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey broke barriers as the first female fighter signed by the UFC, rapidly becoming the organization’s inaugural women’s bantamweight champion. Her armbar submissions and quick finishes garnered widespread attention, propelling women’s MMA into the mainstream and inspiring countless female athletes.

16. Randy Couture

Randy “The Natural” Couture‘s career is distinguished by his ability to defy age and expectations. A three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time light heavyweight champion, his Greco-Roman wrestling foundation allowed him to implement effective game plans against various opponents, solidifying his status as a tactical mastermind.

15. Chuck Liddell

Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is a name synonymous with the rise of MMA into mainstream sports culture. Known for his striking prowess and signature mohawk, he became the face of the UFC during the early 2000s.

His aggressive fighting style and knockout power led him to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, with memorable victories over rivals such as Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture.

His influence extended beyond the octagon, as he played a pivotal role in bringing MMA to a broader audience, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

14. Dan Henderson

Dan “Hendo” Henderson‘s career is a testament to versatility and resilience, spanning multiple weight classes and organizations. Beginning as an Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler, he transitioned to MMA, where his heavy right hand, famously dubbed the “H-Bomb”, became a feared weapon.

He achieved significant success in PRIDE Fighting Championships, securing titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His knockout victory over Wanderlei Silva at PRIDE 33 to claim the middleweight title is among his career highlights.

Transitioning to the UFC, Henderson continued to face top-tier competition. His bout against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139 is often cited as one of the greatest fights in MMA history, showcasing his grit and determination.

13. B.J. Penn

B.J. “The Prodigy” Penn‘s natural talent and Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess led him to become a two-division UFC champion (lightweight and welterweight). His willingness to take on challenges in multiple weight classes and his early adoption of cross-training have left a lasting impact on the sport.

12. Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz didn’t just dominate the bantamweight division—he reinvented it. Known for his elusive movement, unorthodox footwork, and cerebral approach to fighting, he was nearly impossible to hit cleanly.

His mastery of angles and darting in-and-out style frustrated even the most skilled opponents. As a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, he set the gold standard for the division, with wins over Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, and Joseph Benavidez cementing his legacy.

What makes Cruz even more remarkable is his resilience. Despite suffering multiple career-threatening knee injuries, he staged one of the most inspirational comebacks in MMA history, reclaiming his title in 2016.

His ability to adapt and thrive in a sport where speed and precision are crucial is a testament to his fight IQ and discipline. Even in retirement, his impact on the sport continues as one of MMA’s most respected analysts.

11. Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier’s journey in MMA is one of pure perseverance and versatility. Before entering the octagon, he was an Olympic-level wrestler, which became the foundation of his dominant grappling style.

He captured both the UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles, becoming only the second fighter in history to hold championships in two divisions simultaneously. His ability to control fights through wrestling and deliver knockout power made him one of the most well-rounded competitors in MMA history.

Beyond his accolades, his rivalries with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic helped define his career. His trilogy with Miocic showcased his warrior spirit, while his feud with Jones was among the sport’s most heated. Outside the cage, “DC” remains a beloved figure as a commentator, analyst, and coach, continuing to shape the future of MMA.

10. Stipe Miocic

Stipe Miocic is the definition of blue-collar toughness. A full-time firefighter outside of fighting, he quietly built one of the most impressive resumes in UFC history, defending the heavyweight title a record-breaking three times in his first reign.

His knockout power, combined with underrated wrestling, made him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. Victories over Francis Ngannou, Daniel Cormier, and Fabricio Werdum highlight his ability to take on—and defeat—the best.

Unlike many heavyweights, he relied not just on brute force but also on fight IQ and conditioning. His ability to adjust mid-fight, as seen in his rematch with Ngannou, showcased his tactical mind. While his legacy is still being written, He has already earned his place as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.

9. Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes didn’t just win—she dominated. As the first woman in UFC history to hold and defend titles in two divisions simultaneously, she redefined what it meant to be an elite female fighter.

Her knockouts of Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm weren’t just victories; they were statements. Her striking power, combined with an underrated ground game, made her nearly unstoppable in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

What set Nunes apart was her ability to evolve. Early in her career, cardio was a concern, but by the time she hit her championship prime, she had eliminated weaknesses and become a complete fighter. After years of ruling over two weight classes, she retired in 2023, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in women’s MMA.

8. Jose Aldo

For nearly a decade, José Aldo was untouchable in the featherweight division. His reign in the UFC and WEC was defined by a mix of devastating leg kicks, pinpoint striking, and near-flawless takedown defense. At his peak, he was considered one of the pound-for-pound best, with wins over Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber showcasing his all-around brilliance.

His greatness wasn’t just about skill; it was about longevity. Even after losing his title to Conor McGregor in a shocking 13-second knockout, he reinvented himself and remained a top contender for years. His ability to adapt and remain elite deep into his career is why many consider him the greatest featherweight of all time.

7. Conor McGregor

Love him or hate him, Conor McGregor changed MMA forever. His meteoric rise from a young Irish prospect to a two-division UFC champion was unprecedented. His left hand became the stuff of legend, knocking out opponents like José Aldo and Eddie Alvarez in spectacular fashion. But his impact wasn’t just inside the cage—his trash talk, confidence, and ability to sell fights turned him into the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history.

Despite his inconsistent record in recent years,he remains the most recognizable fighter in the sport’s history. His boxing match with Floyd Mayweather and his crossover appeal helped bring mainstream attention to MMA. While his competitive future is uncertain, his legacy as one of the sport’s biggest icons is cemented.

6. Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson took flyweight fighting to a new level. His technical mastery, lightning-fast reflexes, and ability to blend striking with grappling made him virtually unbeatable at his peak.

His record 11 consecutive title defenses in the UFC showcased his dominance, with finishes like his famous suplex-to-armbar against Ray Borg highlighting his creativity inside the cage.

What made him special was his ability to adapt. He wasn’t just faster than his opponents—he was smarter. Even after leaving the UFC for ONE Championship, he continued to prove his greatness by capturing another title. His combination of skill, intelligence, and longevity makes him one of MMA’s all-time greats.

5. Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Emelianenko’s dominance in PRIDE Fighting Championships remains one of the most legendary runs in MMA history. For nearly a decade, he was undefeated, dismantling some of the best heavyweights in the world. His calm demeanor, combined with devastating knockout power and elite grappling, made him a near-perfect fighter.

Even without competing in the UFC, Fedor’s legacy is undeniable. Wins over legends like Mirko Cro Cop, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mark Coleman cemented his place in history. His aura of invincibility, coupled with his stoic presence, made him one of the sport’s most revered figures.

4. Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva didn’t just win fights—he made them look effortless. His reign as UFC middleweight champion saw him break records with a 16-fight win streak, including dazzling knockouts of Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort. His head movement and counterstriking were on another level, often making elite fighters look like amateurs.

His ability to toy with opponents, combined with his highlight-reel finishes, made him a once-in-a-generation talent. Even in his later years, when losses piled up, his influence on MMA remained intact. He inspired countless fighters and helped elevate the sport to a global audience.

3. Jon Jones

Jon “Bones” Jones is the most naturally talented fighter in MMA history. His reach, creativity, and fight IQ made him the youngest UFC champion ever at 23. His dominance over the light heavyweight division saw him defeat legends like Daniel Cormier, Shogun Rua and Alexander Gustafsson.

Despite his personal controversies, his skill set remains unmatched. His move to heavyweight and subsequent title win further solidified his claim as MMA’s GOAT. Whether fans love or hate him, there’s no denying his greatness.

2. Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre’s ability to blend striking, wrestling, and strategy made him one of the most well-rounded fighters ever. As a two-division champion, his dominance in the welterweight division is legendary. His comeback win over Michael Bisping to claim the middleweight title added to his legacy.

GSP’s work ethic and humility made him a role model inside and outside the cage. His ability to game-plan and execute at the highest level ensures his place as one of MMA’s greatest.

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0, an unheard-of feat in MMA. His grappling pressure was relentless, and his mauling style left no openings for opponents. Wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje cemented his dominance.

His retirement at the peak of his career leaves the question: what more could he have achieved? Regardless, his perfect record and relentless style make him one of the sport’s most dominant champions.

Boxing has long been a lucrative sport, attracting millions of fans and generating enormous revenue from pay-per-view events, sponsorships and endorsements. Over the years, elite boxers have amassed staggering fortunes, cementing their legacy in and outside the ring. This article ranks the top 25 highest-paid boxers of all time, considering their career earnings, endorsement deals and additional revenue streams.

This piece draws multiple reliable sources to provide accurate and updated information about earnings and career details of the boxers. The information is current as of December 2024. Sources include:

• Forbes: Annual earnings reports and top-earning athlete lists.
• TalkSport: Insights into boxer contracts and sponsorship deals.
• The Sun: Detailed career earnings for UK-based boxers.
• ESPN: Fight purses and historical data.
• BoxRec: Verified fight records and statistics

Top 25 Highest-Paid Boxers

Note: Figures include purses, bonuses and estimated endorsement deals.

Top 10 highest-paid male boxer

1. Floyd Mayweather

• Earnings: $1.1 Billion+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Manny Pacquiao, vs. Conor McGregor (Source: TalkSport)
• Endorsements: Hublot, Burger King (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 1996–2015 (Occasional Exhibitions)

2. Manny Pacquiao

• Earnings: $700 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Floyd Mayweather, vs. Miguel Cotto (Source: ESPN)
• Endorsements: Nike, McDonald’s (Source: TalkSport)
• Active Years: 1995–2022

3. Mike Tyson

• Earnings: $685 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Evander Holyfield, vs. Lennox Lewis (Source: ESPN)
• Endorsements: Monster Energy, Various Brands (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 1985–2005

4. Canelo Alvarez

• Earnings: $450 Million+ (Source: TalkSport)
• Notable Fights: vs. Gennady Golovkin (Trilogy), vs. Caleb Plant (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Hennessy, Under Armour (Source: Forbes)
• Active Years: 2005–Present

5. Oscar De La Hoya

• Earnings: $400 Million+ (Source: ESPN)
• Notable Fights: vs. Floyd Mayweather, vs. Manny Pacquiao (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Adidas, EA Sports (Source: Forbes)
• Active Years: 1992–2008

6. Tyson Fury

• Earnings: $300 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Deontay Wilder (Trilogy) (Source: TalkSport)
• Endorsements: ESPN, UK Sponsors (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 2008–Present

7. Lennox Lewis

• Earnings: $265 Million+ (Source: The Sun)
• Notable Fights: vs. Mike Tyson, vs. Vitali Klitschko (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: HBO, British Airways (Source: TalkSport)
• Active Years: 1989–2003

8. Anthony Joshua

• Earnings: $250 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Wladimir Klitschko, vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. (Source: ESPN)
• Endorsements: Under Armour, Beats (Source: TalkSport)
• Active Years: 2013–Present

9. Evander Holyfield

• Earnings: $230 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Mike Tyson (Trilogy), vs. Riddick Bowe (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Real Deal Grill, Various Brands (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 1984–2011

10. Sugar Ray Leonard

• Earnings: $200 Million+ (Source: The Sun)
• Notable Fights: vs. Thomas Hearns, vs. Roberto Duran (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Coca-Cola, Ford (Source: TalkSport)
• Active Years: 1977–1997

Top 10 highest-paid female boxers

1. Katie Taylor

• Earnings: $20 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Amanda Serrano (Source: ESPN)
• Endorsements: Sky Sports, Adidas (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 2016–Present

2. Claressa Shields

• Earnings: $15 Million+ (Source: TalkSport)
• Notable Fights: vs. Christina Hammer (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Everlast, Fight Hype (Source: Forbes)
• Active Years: 2016–Present

3. Ronda Rousey

• Earnings: $12 Million+ (Source: ESPN)
• Notable Fights: MMA crossover bouts, boxing debut (Source: TalkSport)
• Endorsements: Reebok, Monster (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 2015–2016

4. Holly Holm

• Earnings: $10 Million+ (Source: TalkSport)
• Notable Fights: vs. Ronda Rousey (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Hi-Tech Pharma, Legacy (Source: ESPN)
• Active Years: 2002–Present

5. Laila Ali

• Earnings: $8 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Jacqui Frazier-Lyde (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Subway, George Foreman (Source: TalkSport)
• Active Years: 1999–2007

6. Amanda Serrano

• Earnings: $7 Million+ (Source: The Sun)
• Notable Fights: vs. Katie Taylor (Source: ESPN)
• Endorsements: Sports Nutrition Brands (Source: Forbes)
• Active Years: 2009–Present

7. Cecilia Brækhus

• Earnings: $6 Million+ (Source: TalkSport)
• Notable Fights: vs. Jessica McCaskill (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Norwegian Sports Brands (Source: Forbes)
• Active Years: 2007–Present

8. Christy Martin

• Earnings: $5 Million+ (Source: ESPN)
• Notable Fights: vs. Deirdre Gogarty (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Various Sporting Goods (Source: TalkSport)
• Active Years: 1989–2012

9. Heather Hardy

• Earnings: $3 Million+ (Source: TalkSport)
• Notable Fights: vs. Amanda Serrano (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Brooklyn Fitness Brands (Source: The Sun)
• Active Years: 2012–Present

10. Jessica McCaskill

• Earnings: $2 Million+ (Source: Forbes)
• Notable Fights: vs. Cecilia Brækhus (Source: BoxRec)
• Endorsements: Athletic Brands (Source: ESPN)
• Active Years: 2015–Present

From soccer to the NBA to cricket, sports stars are followed from fans all over the world from all walks of life. Since the start of social media celebrities have leveraged what their content could be worth if tied to a brand.

Like Messi with Adidas or Pulisic with Puma, these sports stars know their value on the social media platform Instagram. According to a study done by Hopper, here are the 25 top sports stars who charge the most per post on Instagram.

25. Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis is a South African cricket player and former captain of South Africa’s cricket team, the star player charges $11,100 per post on his Instagram page.

24. Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn is an alpine ski racer who has won four World Cup overall championships and has a large social media following. Vonn’s cost per post on Instagram is at $11,700.

23. Ryan Sheckler

American skateboarder Ryan Sheckler is also a TV star and was on the MTV TV show Life of Ryan. On Instagram a post by this urban star costs $12,200.

22. Max Holloway

UFC fighter Max Holloway might be tough in the ring, outside he uses his social media to post about his family and showcase things fans have sent him. A brand looking to pair with Max Holloway needs to pay $14,100 per post.

21. Kelly Slater

Professional surfer Kelly Slater has over 10 world surfing championships and has a strong following on social media. Slater charges $15,000 per post on Instagram.

20. Simone Biles

Having turned into an indirect spokesperson for mental health, Simone Biles is one the most decorated gymnasts of all-time and has a huge social media following at the time Biles charged $22,000 per post, that must have surely increased since then.

19. Serena Williams

A monster on the tennis court, Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, and has had endorsement deals of every kind come her way. According to a report she charges $71,700 per post.

18. Ronda Rousey

Former professional mixed martial artist and professional wrestler Ronda Rousey has a big following on social media and knows how to cash in on it. The price for a post is $73,100.

17. Kevin De Bruyne

One of the best soccer players in the world, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City commands the midfield for the Premier League’s top team. The Belgian international has a big social media following and charges $75,500 per post.

16. AB de Villiers

Cricket player AB de Villiers has over 14 million followers and makes a good chunk of change off of his Instagram, $78,200 when last reported.

15. Sergio Aguero

Now retired soccer player Sergio Aguero has already began building his own brand, often on the platform Twitch, Aguero has a massive following and on Instagram was reported to charge $94,800.

14. Floyd Mayweather

Maybe the greatest boxer of all time, Floyd Mayweather at times might seem vile but he knows how to sell his image. Mayweather has a net worth out of this world! A post by Mayweather on Instagram is chump change for the champion… only $144,000.

13. Stephen Curry

In this writer’s opinion the best basketball player in the world, Stephen Curry is just magic on the court and a celebrity off of it. Curry charges $187,000 per post.

12. Conor Mcgregor

One of the biggest names in mix martial arts, Conor Mcgregor has crossed over to mainstream, boxing, and WWE. Conor Mcgregor charges $218,000 per post.

11. Luis Suarez

Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was one of the best in his position for a long time, now at the tail end of his career, El Pistolero still has a lot in the tank and could be with Uruguay in the 2022 World Cup. Suarez charges $221,000 per post.

10. Mohamed Salah

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is at the moment one of the best soccer players in the world and a goal machine. Salah has fans from all over the world and charges $231,000 per post.

9. Gareth Bale

The Real Madrid midfielder continues to be on top of mind, even though he has had an injury plagued season. Bale is at $238,000 per post on Instagram.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Charismatic, controversial, provider of great content, when you team with Zlatan Ibrahimovic one thing you are sure to get is exposure. Zlatan knows how to sell himself; he charges $259,000.

7. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho may have been out of professional soccer for a while now, but he is still a sought after ambassador for brands. Dinho charges the big bucks, $301,000.

6. David Beckham

No athlete has been better at marketing himself than David Beckham, he built an empire on it. Becks charges $362,000 per post on Instagram.

5. LeBron James

One of the best players of his generation, LeBron is a spokesperson, ambassador, with a strong political stance. LeBron charges $474,000 per post.

4. Virat Kohli

A cricket player from India who is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world, Virat Kohli has a big following from the cricket playing regions of the world. Kohli knows how to spread it around at $680,000 per post.

3. Neymar

The Brazilian soccer player has been able to crossover from soccer, movies, and products. Neymar is hoping that 2022 will be his crowning year at the World Cup, on Instagram he can’t complain charging $824,000 per post.

2. Lionel Messi

The Argentine great has always known how to sell his self-image, Messi is a shy, often avoider of the spotlight but commercially he knows how to play the game better than on a soccer field. Want a post from Lionel Messi? Put up $1,169,000 bucks!

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Beckham laid the groundwork, but Cristiano Ronaldo took the throne. Ronaldo is one of the best soccer players of his generation and an excellent salesman of his talents. On Instagram, Ronaldo is at $1,604,000.

Female MMA wasn’t really a big deal until the UFC purchased them, but since they have, they have stayed relevant and very popular ever since. This list is taking into consideration all MMA promotions, like Bellator and Invicta FC, not just the UFC.

The very first official female MMA fight actually took place in the United States in 1997. Ever since, many women have made their mark on the sport. Some completely revolutionized the world of female fighting while others made it as popular as it is today. Without further ado, lets take a look at the top 25 greatest female MMA fighters of all time!

25. Michelle Waterson

Michelle Waterson, nicknamed “The Karate Hottie” is an American MMA fighter and model who competes in the UFC. She is a former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion and as of April 2021, she is ranked #9 in the UFCwomen’s strawweight rankings.

Waterson was ranked as the number 1 atomweight fighter in the world between 2013 and 2014. She has two Fight of the Year awards and the 2014 Most Vulgar Display of Power Award for her beatdown against Yasuko Tamada. Waterson has a record of 18 wins and 8 losses.

24. Carla Esparza

Carla Esparzais an American strawweight fighter who fights in the UFC. She is one of the most successful fighters in recent times and is well known for her grappling abilities. She was the very first Strawweight Champion in both the UFC and Invicta FC, holding both titles simultaneously at one point.

Esparza is the only woman to win two inaugural titles with two different MMA promotions and as of January 2021, she is fourth in the UFC’s women’s strawweight rankings. Known for her wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu skills, Esparza is one of the most well-rounded fighters there is. She has a record of 17 wins and 6 losses.

23. Zoila Gurgel

Zoila Gurgel,nicknamed the “Warrior Princess”, is an American fighter who was the very first Bellator Women’s Champion. She is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo. Gurgel has competed in three different weight classes, Bantamweight, Flyweight, and Strawweight.

Gurgel’s father is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and her sister is also an MMA fighter, Stephanie Frausto. Gurgel started in Bellator where she was their very first female champion and then went to Invicta FC were she had a negative record. She has an overall record of 13 wins and 6 losses.

22. Miesha Tate

Miesha Tate,nicknamed “Cupcake“, is an American who competes in the UFC. She is a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion who is known for her grappling skills. She was the inaugural champion in the UFC but she lost that title her very next fight against another fighter on this list, Ronda Rousey.

Tate lost against Cat Zingano and Ronda Rousey once more before winning three fights in a row and earning another title shot against Holly Holm. She defeated Holm and was crowned champion once again but the story repeated itself and she lost that title her very next fight. Tate has a record of 18 wins and 7 losses.

21. Jessica Andrade

Jessica Andradeis a Brazilian fighter who is currently signed to the UFC where she competes in the women’s flyweight division. She is the former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and as of October 2020, the number 1 in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings.

Andrade is one of the best Brazilian fighters and she is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She has a Performance of the Night award and three Fight of the Night awards while in the UFC. As of April 2021, she has the most knockouts in strawweight division history. Andrade has a record of 21 wins and 8 losses.

20. Julianna Pena

Julianna Pena,nicknamed “The Venezuelan Vixen“, is an American fighter who competes in the UFC. She was the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter and has one Performance of the Night award. She is one of the best in the MMA scene.

Pena isnumber 6 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings as of April 2021. She won her first four consecutive fights as a professional before losing to Sarah Moras in 2012. Pena also won the 2021 January Submission of the Month for a recent fight against Sara McMann.She has a record of 10 wins and 4 losses.

19. Gina Carano

Gina Caranois an American fighter who competed in EliteXC and Strikeforce for 4 years. She was known as the face of women’s MMA because of her popularity at the time and she was also the first woman to headline a major MMA event alongside Cris Cyborg.

Carano spent only a few years in the MMA scene before becoming an actress, landing roles in movies like Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and the Disney+ show, The Mandalorian. She competed in the first ever women’s MMA bout in the state of Nevada which she won and she was close to joining the UFC in 2014. Carano has a record of 7 wins and 1 loss.

18. Megumi Fujii

Megumi Fujii,nicknamed “Mega Megu“, is a Japanese fighter who was a master in takedowns and submissions. She is a fantastic fighter but she is not higher on this list because she never faced top-tier names like some of our other fighters on this list. She is a black belt in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Fujii was also the first Razryad International Master in Sambo and also achieved four second place finishes in World Sambo Tournaments. 73% of all her wins have been by submission and she won her first 22 bouts as a professional MMA figher. She has a record of 26 wins and 3 losses.

17. Cat Zingano

Cat Zinganois an American fighter signed to Bellator MMA, competing in their women’s featherweight division. She also competed for the UFC in the past and she became the very first woman to win a UFC fight by technical knockout. She is one of the best in the cage.

Zingano was also the first woman to be awarded the UFC Fight of the Night award. When she left the UFC she was ranked seventh in their women’s bantamweight rankings. She beganwrestling at age 12 and eventually became part of both the University of the Cumberlands and MacMurray College women’s teams where she became a 4-time All-American and National Champion. Zingano has a record of 12 wins and 4 losses.

16.Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Karolina Kowalkiewicz,nicknamed the “Polish Princess“, is a Polish fighter who currently fights for the UFC. She is the former Konfrontacja Sztuk Walk (better known as KSW) Women’s Flyweight Champion. She also competed in one Invicta FC bout where she won Fight of the Night before making the jump to the UFC in 2015.

Kowalkiewicz started her professional career going 10-0 and when she joined the UFC she was given a title shot againstJoanna Jędrzejczyk. She lost that fight and has struggled to bounce back since. Besides her recent losses no one can argue that she is one of the best female fighters in MMA history.Kowalkiewicz has a record of 12 wins and 6 losses.

15. Sarah Kaufman

Sarah Kaufmanis a Canadian fighter who competes in the women’s bantamweight division. She is the Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion and she was also the first Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She started her career going on a 12-0 unbeaten streak.

Kaufman has beat some of the best names in the sport but her unbeaten run came to an end when she facedMarloes Coenen. She has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but also does a lot of wrestling when fighting. Kaufman has a record of 21 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no contest.

14. Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas,nicknamed “Thug Rose“, is an American fighter in the UFC who competes in the women’s strawweight division. She is a former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and as of December 2020, she is number 1 in the UFC Women’s Strawweight Rankings.

Namajunas is a very complete fighter who possesses good knockout power but can also pin her opponents into submission. She is a black belt in Taekwondo and Karate while also being a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rose has a record of 9 wins and 4 losses.

13. Xiong Jingnan

Xiong Jingnan,nicknamed “The Panda“, is a Chinese fighter who is a legend in the MMA world. She is the inaugural and reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion and was also the first ever Chinese World Champion in MMA history.

Jingnan has won most of her fights by knockout and she has four successful title defenses. She is still fighting and we could see her way higher on this list in a couple of years if she can keep her form. She has a record of 14 wins and 2 losses.

12. Tara LaRosa

Tara LaRosais an American fighter who is very decorated. She has never fought in the UFC and most of her success has been while fighting for BodogFight. She was the firstand only BodogFight Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She has also competed in 12 Grappling World Championships where she won gold in 6 of them.

LaRosa was the number 1 flyweight between 2010 and 2012. Based on her many grappling medals, she is one of the most decorated grapplers that MMA has ever seen. In 2013, LaRosa was inducted into the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame. She has a record of 22 wins and 5 losses.

11. Holly Holm

Holly Holm,nicknamed “The Preacher’s Daughter“, is an American fighter who competes in the UFC. She is the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and was also a very successful professional boxer where she defended her titles 18 times in three different weight classes.

Holm had a boxing record of 33 wins and 3 losses before joining the UFC in 2014. She has been one of the best fighters in two different women’s divisions and she also knocked out Ronda Rousey in only her third UFC fight to become the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She has a record of 14 wins and 5 losses.

10. Claudia Gedelha

Claudia Gedelhais a Brazilian fighter who competes in the Women’s Strawweight division of the UFC. As of April 2021, she is number eight in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings. She is a second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has won 14 BJJ world championships.

Gadelha won the first Women’s Strawweight fight in UFC history and has also won the Fight of the Night award two times,against Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. She also won the Performance of the Night award in her fight against Kowalkiewicz.She has a record of 18 wins and 5 losses.

9. Marloes Coenen

Marloes Coenenis a retired Dutch fighter who was also a former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She joined Strikeforce and lost to Cris Cyborg but then beat SarahKaufman to win the Women’s Bantamweight Title.

Coenen is a grappling expert who has won 74% of her fights by submission. She won her first eight bouts while competing professionally and in November of 2000, she also won the ReMix World Cup. The ReMix World Cup was the first female MMA championship which makes her the first ever femaleMMA champion. Coenen has a record of 23 wins and 8 losses.

8. Zhang Weili

Zhang Weiliis an active Chinese fighter who currently competes in the UFC under the strawweight division. As of April 2021, Weili is the only Chinese person to hold any title in the UFC. She was the former Kunlun Fight (KLF) Strawweight Championand is the current UFC Women’s Strawweight World Champion.

Weili spent most of her career fighting in the KLF, with many people believingthat she is the best fighter to ever compete in the competition. She has also defeated some huge names like Jessica Andrade and Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Weili has a record of 21 wins and 1 loss.

7. Jennifer Maia

Jennifer Maiais a Brazilian fighter who competes in the UFC under theflyweight division. As of April 2021, she is ranked fourth in the UFC women’s flyweight rankings. Maia is the former Invicta FC Flyweight World Champion. She is an absolute machine!

Maia won her first four professional MMAfights, all of them in the first round. She won the UFC Performance of the Night award for her fight against Joanne Calderwood and won two Invicta FC Fight of the Night awards for her bouts against Vanessa Porto and Roxanne Modafferi. Maia has a record of 18 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw.

6. Satoko Shinashi

Satoko Shinashiis a Japanese fighter who is a submission expert. She is widely regarded as the best Japanese female MMA fighter of all time. She has won most of her fights by submission and was almost impossible to beat in her prime!

Shinashi won the Smackgirl Lightweight Championship and the Deep Women’s Flyweight Championship. She retired in 2008 when she found out she was pregnant but she came back in 2014 where she had 5 fights and won them all. Shinashi has a record of 34 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw.

5. Valentina Shevchenko

Valentina Shevchenkois a Kyrgyzstani-Peruvian fighter who competes in the UFC under the women’s flyweight division. The “Bullet” is the current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion and she got that title by defeating none other than Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

Shevchenko won the goldmedal at theI.F.M.A World Championship 8 times and won a silver medal the only time she participated and didn’t win. She has defeated big names like Holly Holm,Sarah Kaufman, andJoanna Jędrzejczyk. Shevchenko has a record of 20 wins and 3 losses.

4.Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Joanna Jedrzejczykis a Polish fighter who competes in the UFC under the women’s flyweight and strawweight divisions. She was considered as THE best female fighter at one point but her recent form has hurt that reputation a bit. Before doing MMAshe was a kickboxer winning World Championships in three different organizations.

Jedrzejczyk is a former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion. She defendedher title 5 times before eventually losing it to Rose Namajunas. She also has the most wins in UFC Women’s Strawweight history and the most title fights as well.Jedrzejczyk has a record of 16 wins and 4 losses.

3. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rouseyis a former American fighter who spent most of her career in the UFC under the women’s bantamweight division. She was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo and also won her MMA debut for King of the Cage. She has definitely had one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, impact in the world of female MMA.

Rousey beat some big names likeSarah Kaufman,Julia Budd, andMeisha Tate. She won the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Title and the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title. In 2018, she became the first woman to ever be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Rousey has a record of 12 wins and 2 losses.

2. Cristiane Justino

Cristiane Justino,better known as Cris Cyborg, is a Brazilian-American fighter who competes in Bellator MMA under the featherweight division. As of April 2021, she is the current Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion. She is also a former UFC, Invicta FC, and Strikeforce Featherweight Champion.

Justino defended her title against Hiroko Yamanaka but it was still stripped from her because she tested positive for anabolic steroids. She then won the UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship until she faced Amanda Nunes. Cyborg has one of the most impressive accolades in female MMA history. Her record is 23 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest.

1. Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunesis a Brazilian fighter who competes in the UFC under the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. As of April 2021, she is the current UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion. She is the first woman to become a two-division UFC champion.

Nunes has defeated some massive names likeValentina Shevchenko,Ronda Rousey, and Cris Cyborg. She is the first person in UFC history to successfully defend two titles in two different divisions while holding them both at the same time. She has a record of 21 wins and 4 losses. It’s hard to argue that Amanda Nunes isn’t the greatest ever after defeating the biggest names in women’s mma and being a two division champion!