Top 5 MMA Fighters Backed by Crypto Giants: Who's Earning Big?

As Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) continues to grow in popularity around the globe, its fighters are attracting not only the eyes of fans and sport enthusiasts but also lucrative sponsorship deals—and in recent years, a fair share of these high-profile agreements have come from the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector. This symbiotic relationship between combat sports and digital currencies is producing an arena where both industries benefit from shared exposure and audience expansion. Here's a closer look at the top five MMA competitors who have tapped into the crypto sponsorship market, leveraging their athletic prowess into significant financial gains.

#### Ben Askren

An Olympic wrestler and a former champion in multiple MMA organizations, Ben Askren was one of the earliest adopters of crypto sponsorships in the fight game. Known for his charisma and distinctive personality, Askren has become a notable spokesperson for the digital asset class. His outspoken support for cryptocurrencies has earned him deals with various blockchain projects. Moreover, Askren’s involvement goes beyond sponsorships as he is an active promoter and investor in the space, positioning himself as a knowledgeable voice within the crypto community.

#### Cris Cyborg

Cris Cyborg, a dominant force in women's MMA, has made history inside the cage while also pioneering outside of it as one of the first female fighters to secure a crypto-backed sponsorship. Her stature as a feared competitor in the featherweight division, combined with her broad appeal, made her an irresistible choice for crypto companies looking to tap into a diverse demographic. Her partnership with a prominent crypto firm not only brings financial benefits but also aligns her with innovation and forward-thinking branding—a fitting parallel to her cutting-edge performance as a fighter.

#### Rory MacDonald

With a reputation for being a technical and versatile fighter, Rory MacDonald captured widespread attention when he inked a significant sponsorship contract with a cryptocurrency platform. This sponsorship highlighted MacDonald's role as a forward-looking athlete willing to embrace new trends and set a precedent in athlete endorsements. Notably, MacDonald’s sponsorship deal allows him to receive a portion of his compensation in cryptocurrency, illustrating the growing acceptance of digital currencies as a form of payment within professional sports.

#### Eddie Alvarez

Eddie Alvarez, known for his tenacious fighting style and being a champion across multiple MMA organizations, also entered the crypto-sponsored league of fighters. His deal with a renowned crypto company presents a mutual advantage; it offers him a fresh source of endorsement revenue while granting the sponsoring firm access to the legions of MMA fans who watch Alvarez battle it out in the cage.

Pioneering partnerships between cryptocurrency sponsors and MMA fighters have opened up new avenues for sports marketing and athlete endorsements. These collaborations are not only creating lucrative opportunities for fighters but also offering a platform for crypto brands to reach a vast audience.

1. Conor McGregor - The Notorious Mixed Martial Arts superstar Conor McGregor is known for his dominant presence both inside the octagon and in the business world. McGregor’s portfolio of partnerships has seen the addition of cryptocurrency brands as they recognize his global influence and the potential to tap into his massive following. With these sponsorships, McGregor has been able to leverage his personal brand to secure deals that significantly boost his income and introduce his fans to the world of digital currency.

2. Jon Jones - Another big name in the MMA circuit, Jon Jones, has capitalized on the cryptocurrency craze. As one of the sport's most dominant and iconic fighters, Jones has partnered with several crypto platforms that offer fans a chance to engage with digital tokens and exclusive content related to the fighter. These sponsorships not only provide him with additional financial support but also incorporate cutting-edge blockchain technology to connect with fans through NFTs and fan tokens.

3. Israel Adesanya - The Nigerian-born New Zealander, known as "The Last Stylebender," has made waves not just with his eclectic fighting style but through strategic partnerships with crypto brands. Adesanya's engagement with cryptocurrency sponsors has enabled him to secure significant earnings beyond his fight purses, with deals that often include digital assets and unique fan experiences powered by blockchain technology.

4. Valentina Shevchenko - Valentina "Bullet" Shevchenko has remained a formidable champion in the women's flyweight division, and her draw power extends to the boardroom where she has secured sponsorship deals with crypto firms. These sponsorships not only support her financially but also increase female representation in the male-dominated worlds of both MMA and cryptocurrency, potentially inspiring more women to engage with digital currencies.

5. Jorge Masvidal - Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal’s rise to MMA stardom has been meteoric, and cryptocurrency sponsors have been quick to align themselves with his fighter persona. By teaming up with crypto platforms, Masvidal not only earns through endorsements but also gets to offer unique experiences to his fans, such as tokenized memorabilia or exclusive access to events and content.