If you’ve ever watched Islam Makhachev dominate inside the octagon, you’ve probably wondered — how much does this guy actually make per fight?
With championship belts, pay-per-view events, and international fame under his belt, Makhachev is now one of the UFC’s top earners. But his income wasn’t always that high. Let’s break down how much Islam Makhachev makes per fight, how it compares to other champions, and what factors drive his earnings.
Islam Makhachev’s UFC Salary Breakdown
Like most UFC fighters, Islam’s pay per fight depends on three main components:
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Guaranteed base salary (show money)
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Win bonus or performance bonus
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Pay-per-view (PPV) share, reserved for top stars and champions
Estimated Earnings per Fight (2025 Update)
As of 2025, Makhachev’s average payout per fight is estimated between $1.2 million to $1.8 million, depending on event size and PPV buys.
Here’s a rough breakdown of his recent payouts:
| Fight | Event | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| vs. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 284) | Title defense | ~$1.7 million (includes PPV bonus) |
| vs. Charles Oliveira (UFC 280) | Title win | ~$1.2 million |
| vs. Volkanovski (UFC 294 rematch) | Title defense | ~$1.8 million |
| Average Non-PPV Fight (before title reign) | Pre-2022 | $100k–$200k |
In short: Before becoming champion, Islam made around $150k per fight. Now, his per-fight payday has multiplied nearly tenfold.
Base Salary vs. Bonuses
Most UFC contracts include a “show” and “win” structure. For example, a $500,000/$500,000 deal means $500k guaranteed, and another $500k if the fighter wins.
In Makhachev’s case:
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His base salary sits around $750,000–$1,000,000 as champion.
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He often earns $50,000–$100,000 in bonuses (Fight of the Night, Performance of the Night, etc.).
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His PPV share can add hundreds of thousands depending on buys — especially in Abu Dhabi cards, where he’s a massive draw.
Does Islam Makhachev Get PPV Points?
Yes — since becoming the UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev now gets a percentage of PPV revenue.
While the UFC doesn’t publicly disclose PPV splits, estimates suggest top champions like Islam earn:
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Around $1–$2 per PPV buy,
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Or 1–2% of total event revenue after base pay.
For major cards like UFC 294 that hit over 1 million buys, that adds a healthy six-figure bump to his paycheck.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
In addition to fight purses, Islam Makhachev also earns from:
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UFC’s official sponsors (Venum, Monster Energy)
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Private endorsements, especially in Russia, UAE, and Muslim-majority markets
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Appearances and ambassador roles, including fitness and combat sports brands
He’s not flashy like McGregor, but Islam’s global image as a disciplined, respectful champion makes him highly marketable in Muslim and Middle Eastern markets.
Estimated annual income from sponsorships: $500,000–$1 million+.
⚖️ How Makhachev’s Pay Compares to Other UFC Stars
| Fighter | Average Per-Fight Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conor McGregor | $3–5 million + PPV | Top global star |
| Jon Jones | $2–3 million | Heavyweight Champion |
| Israel Adesanya | $1.5–2 million | Ex-Champion |
| Islam Makhachev | $1.2–1.8 million | Lightweight Champion |
| Leon Edwards | ~$800k–$1.2 million | Welterweight Champion |
Islam isn’t yet at McGregor’s level, but among active fighters, he’s already in the top 5 highest-paid roster members — a huge leap from his early career days.
From Modest Beginnings to Million-Dollar Fights
When Makhachev debuted in the UFC in 2015, his payouts were modest — roughly $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win.
But with every win, his contract improved. His turning point came with the title shot against Charles Oliveira in 2022, where he became the UFC Lightweight Champion and started earning champion-level contracts.
Since then, every fight has been a seven-figure payday.
What makes it more impressive? Islam has never been one to flaunt his wealth. He still trains in Dagestan, lives simply, and continues mentoring younger fighters.
Why Makhachev Earns So Much Now
Several key factors contribute to his high income:
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Championship status – brings PPV cuts and global attention.
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Undefeated streak post-2021 – consistent dominance builds marketability.
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Abu Dhabi cards – he’s the face of the UFC’s Middle East events, heavily backed by sponsors.
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Strong fan base – Dagestan, Russia, UAE, and Southeast Asia fans generate millions in views and sales.
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Brand integrity – Islam’s humble, respectful persona appeals to brands that avoid controversies.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does Islam Makhachev make per fight?
As of 2025, he earns roughly $1.5 million on average, with total yearly income crossing $3 million+, including sponsorships and PPV bonuses.
It’s an impressive rise for someone who once fought for a few thousand dollars in local promotions. But that’s the story of Islam Makhachev — a fighter who stayed humble, worked hard, and quietly became one of the highest-paid athletes in the UFC.
