Highest-paid athletes in 2026 only features 2 boxers, 0 MMA fighters again
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Cristiano Ronaldo topped Forbes' 2026 highest-paid athletes list for the fourth consecutive year, earning $300 million from fight purses and sponsorships.
- Only two boxers made the top 50: Canelo Alvarez at No. 2 with $170 million, largely from a major fight against Terence Crawford, and Jake Paul at No. 23 with $70 million despite a recent knockout loss.
- Terence Crawford, despite winning his fight against Canelo, did not make the top 50, and no MMA fighters appeared on the list for the second consecutive year.
- Conor McGregor, who previously made the list due to both fighting and business ventures, is set to return to UFC action in July 2026 and could potentially re-enter the top 50.
- Tennis star Jannik Sinner ranked No. 50 with $54.6 million, highlighting the absence of MMA athletes and the dominance of other sports in athlete earnings.