Top 10 UFC Social Media Stars

Top-10 UFC Stars on Instagram

Islam Makhachev (9.7M)

• The UFC lightweight champion and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé became a global star after defeating Charles Oliveira to win the title in 2022. His rematch victory over Alexander Volkanovski in 2023 further boosted his popularity. His humble demeanor and dominance keep fans intrigued.

Jon Jones (9.5M)

• A legend of the sport, Jones became a star in 2011 when he won the UFC light heavyweight title at just 23 years old. His long reign as champion and 2023 heavyweight title win against Ciryl Gane solidified his GOAT status. His social media reflects his complex, sometimes controversial persona.

Khamzat Chimaev (9.3M)

• Chimaev skyrocketed to fame with his incredible UFC debut in 2020, winning two fights within ten days. His fearlessness and undefeated record, coupled with big wins over Kevin Holland and Gilbert Burns, Robert Whittaker made him a fan favorite. His charisma and “smash” mentality draw massive attention online.

Israel Adesanya (8.7M)

• The charismatic former middleweight champion burst onto the scene with his striking mastery, becoming champion in 2019. His legendary rivalry with Alex Pereira and unique style (both inside and outside the octagon) have made him a major figure in MMA.

Charles Oliveira (8M)

• “Do Bronx” became a global sensation after capturing the lightweight title in 2021 and defending it against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. His inspiring journey from poverty to success resonates with fans worldwide.

Francis Ngannou (7.1M)

• Ngannou’s rags-to-riches story—from working in sand mines in Cameroon to becoming UFC heavyweight champion—captured hearts. His 2021 KO victory over Stipe Miocic and move to professional boxing keep him a headline-grabber on social media.

Ilia Topuria (6.5M)

• The Georgian-Spanish featherweight champion was destined to become a super star. His two KO wins over former champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway gained him a massive hardcore fanbase. He’s known for his cool confidence and growing appeal in combat sports.

Alex Pereira (6.4M)

• Pereira shocked the MMA world by knocking out Adesanya to win the middleweight belt in 2022. His kickboxing background and transition to light heavyweight have kept fans invested. His quiet intensity sets him apart.

Dustin Poirier (5.4M)

• “The Diamond” became a star after defeating Conor McGregor twice in 2021. His wars with Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway are legendary. Poirier is arguably the best fighter to never win a UFC title.

Max Holloway (4.6M)

• Holloway, known for his legendary title reign and striking wars, is one of the sport’s most exciting fighters. Fans admire his laid-back Hawaiian vibe.

Honorable Mention: Sean “Suga” O’Malley (4.4M)

• The former bantamweight champion’s colorful personality, flashy fighting style, and social media savviness have made him a breakout star. 

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Conor McGregor (47M)

• The face of MMA, McGregor transcended the sport with his trash talk and spectacular fights. His rise began with a 13-second KO of Jose Aldo in 2015. Despite controversies, his massive fame is unmatched.

Khabib Nurmagomedov (38M)

• An undefeated lightweight champion, Khabib’s 2020 win over McGregor cemented his legacy. His disciplined lifestyle and respect for his faith have earned him a loyal global following.

Ronda Rousey (17M)

• The UFC’s first female champion revolutionized women’s MMA. Her quick submission victories and fierce presence made her a crossover star in Hollywood and WWE.

Nate Diaz (7M)

• Diaz gained legendary status after defeating McGregor in 2016. Known for his “bad boy” persona and street fighting style, Diaz has remained a cult favorite among MMA fans.

Georges St-Pierre (5.5M)

• A two-division champion, GSP is a pioneer of modern MMA. His dominance in the welterweight division, coupled with his humility and discipline, earned him respect as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.

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