The UFC’s Superstar Shortage: Only 4 Left?
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Alex Pereira losing his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on Saturday could be a major hit to the promotion’s star power. The UFC seems to be losing its superstar champions one by one, and now, another has fallen.
Years ago, the UFC thrived on star power from names like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Chuck Liddell. Today, the sport is driven by fighters who may be more skilled but lack the same ability to sell tickets. Yet, despite having fewer household names than ever, the UFC remains as popular as ever—a point even Ariel Helwani recently highlighted on his weekly show.
I don't know how to come to terms with the fact that the UFC has never been more popular in America, younger kids have never been more into it… Yet I feel like there's this lack of stars issue.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 5, 2025
If they only knew what it was 6,7, or 8 years ago. Could you imagine this in the… pic.twitter.com/UBgDXIaKRs
But how many true superstars are left in the UFC? By “superstar,” I mean someone who can generate legitimate PPV numbers and be recognized even by those who don’t follow the sport.
Sean O’Malley, for example, is a fun internet personality. But, he doesn’t command the same aura and attention as a Conor McGregor. It seems like there are truly only four active fighters in the UFC that deserve the “superstar” label. Not surprisingly, all four are male and sit atop the pound-for-pound rankings.
Alex Pereira
Despite his loss to Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira has solidified himself as the biggest fan favorite in MMA since at least 2024. You know you’re special when a single word—chama—can capture the attention of fans worldwide.
The 2024 Fighter of the Year boasts a kickboxing style that is far more exciting to watch than grappling or wrestling. Combine that with his authentic, nonchalant personality, and you have a bona fide superstar. Winning over American fans without even speaking English is no small feat, yet Pereira has done just that. Add in the unwavering support of his home country, Brazil—arguably the most passionate fan base in the sport—and his rise becomes even more remarkable.
In less than four years with the UFC, Pereira is already tied with Ilia Topuria as the sixth most-followed active fighter. With just 15 professional fights and two world titles, his meteoric rise is unlike anything the sport has ever seen.
Jon Jones
There are many ways an athlete can resonate with fans beyond their fighting ability—but some are so special that fighting alone is enough. Jon Jones has been a household name across all sports simply by being the best in the world since 2008.
Who needs a signature dance or a viral catchphrase when you’re as dominant as Jones? Being widely regarded as the GOAT in the fastest-growing sport should secure his place on any list of superstars. Currently, he’s the second most-followed active UFC fighter on Instagram.
Aside from a controversial disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009, Jones has never been defeated in his legendary career. Considering his longevity and sustained dominance, he is quite literally the LeBron James of MMA.
Islam Makhachev
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the rise of Russian talent in MMA, it’s to never underestimate the global appeal of fighters from Islam Makhachev’s region. Living in America, it’s easy to overlook just how massive some of these athletes are on the other side of the world.
With nearly 10 million Instagram followers, Makhachev is the most-followed active MMA fighter. In a country where combat sports are taken as seriously as they are in Russia, he stands as the face of it. Since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired and passed the torch to his close friend in 2020, Makhachev has fully lived up to expectations as Russia’s top fighter.
Currently riding a 15-fight win streak, Islam Makhachev holds the title of the UFC’s #1 pound-for-pound male fighter.
Ilia Topuria
Even if you don’t consider Ilia Topuria a superstar just yet, he’s well on his way. His star power alone is why the UFC is using him to break into the Spanish market. ‘El Matador’ isn’t just the face of MMA in Spain—he also represents Georgia on the global stage.
Despite only joining the UFC in 2020, Topuria is already tied for the sixth-most Instagram followers among active fighters. Like Alex Pereira and Conor McGregor, he has that rare aura—something you simply can’t teach. He also possesses a fan-friendly fighting style, capable of shutting the lights out on his opponents at any moment.
In 2024, Topuria cemented himself as the world’s best featherweight by knocking out legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski back-to-back. With a potential super fight against Islam Makhachev on the horizon, the sky’s the limit for Ilia Topuria.
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