UFC’s Biggest Draws
Have you ever asked who pulls the biggest crowd in the UFC? Or which fighters make fans stop everything and tune in? Some fighters bring action inside the octagon, but others also bring millions of eyeballs. This article is all about those names who fill arenas, break TV records, and have fans cheering loudly every single time they show up.
What Makes a Fighter a Crowd-Puller?
It’s not always about wins and losses. Some fighters just have something extra. It can be their fighting style, their personality, or how they talk during interviews. Some fans love knockouts. Some follow their favorite fighter’s story. And some just like the drama before the fight. When all of this comes together, the result is a fighter who brings huge crowds.
Biggest Hype 2010-2020
Conor McGregor – The Biggest Name in UFC
Let’s be honest, Conor McGregor changed the game. He’s not just a fighter, he’s a performer. Every time he fights, ticket sales jump, pay-per-view numbers break records, and everyone’s talking about it—whether it’s his walk, his trash talk, or his style.
His fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov was one of the most-watched UFC fights ever. He also brought huge numbers for his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather. McGregor has headlined many UFC events that did over a million PPV buys. That’s not common. He might not be fighting as often now, but when he announces a comeback, everyone listens.
Khabib Nurmagomedov – Quiet But Massive
Khabib never shouted, but his fan base is huge. He kept things simple, focused on winning, and stayed true to his roots. That honesty made fans respect him even more. When he fought McGregor, it was the biggest UFC PPV event at that time. He also pulled strong numbers when he fought Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
What made Khabib special was that he didn’t try to be flashy. People loved him because of his discipline, his connection to his culture, and his clean record. He retired unbeaten, and his last fight got worldwide attention.
Israel Adesanya – Style and Skills
Adesanya is fun to watch. He mixes smart talk, flashy entrances, and technical fighting. That makes fans stay hooked. He brings both casual fans and long-time fight lovers to the screen. His fight against Alex Pereira had huge hype, and people showed up in big numbers to see it.
He also stays active, which helps fans stay connected to him. He doesn’t shy away from tough fights. That confidence and consistent activity build more respect among viewers.
Nate Diaz – Raw and Real
Nate Diaz is real, and people love that. He doesn’t act, he doesn’t follow trends. He speaks what’s on his mind. His fan following is very loyal. His fights, especially with McGregor, are still among the highest-selling UFC events.
Even when he fights less, his return always creates excitement. That says a lot. People feel connected to him because he stays himself, every time.
Jorge Masvidal – Street Fighter to Main Event
Masvidal’s rise felt fast but strong. That flying knee knockout over Ben Askren went viral and made him a hot name overnight. After that, his fight with Nate Diaz for the BMF title got huge attention. The vibe, the build-up, the New York crowd—everything made it feel like something special.
Fans enjoy watching fighters who go all out. Masvidal brings that wild style and pure heart. That’s why people watch.
Georges St-Pierre
It’s hard to leave GSP off any “best” list – so we won’t. GSP’s rise took place in the decade before, but that was carried well into the 2010s. His fight with Jake Shields from way back in 2011 still ranks in the top 10 gates in UFC history.
Biggest Draws 2020-Current
Alex Pereira
The Brazilian is the runaway winner when looking at the top gates since 2010. UFC 295, 303, 300 are all ranking in the top 10
Jon Jones – Always in the Headlines
Jon Jones has been one of UFC’s top fighters for a long time. His skills inside the cage are hard to match. He has been in many main events, and his name pulls attention. When he moved to the heavyweight division and fought Ciryl Gane, the excitement was huge. Everyone wanted to see how he would perform in a new weight class.
Fans love watching someone who can control the fight in so many ways. Jones brings that every time.
Sean O’Malley – New Star with Big Buzz
Sean O’Malley is one of the newer fighters pulling big numbers. His unique look, flashy knockouts, and confident talk make him a favorite with young fans. He brings fresh energy. His rise through social media helped him build a solid base.
Where Conor McGregor left the sport, O’Malley took the torch along with our next fighter, Pimblett. His outspoken pressers have created a ridiculous number of sounds bites making their way through social media.
O’Malley is already one of UFC’s next big PPV stars. People often follow fighters like O’Malley through trending platforms and updates on sports hubs like DRAGON222, where fans can stay up to date with fight schedules and buzz around events.
Paddy Pimblett – UK’s Crowd Favorite
Paddy from Liverpool brings a fun vibe. He talks confidently, jokes with fans, and then goes into the cage and puts on a show. He connects well with the crowd, and his walkouts are already famous.
Even though he’s still early in his UFC career, he’s already doing well in ticket sales. His presence makes fight nights more entertaining. He’s expected to keep rising and pulling more fans in. The gate numbers will follow suit.
Why Do Some Fighters Pull More Crowds?
It’s not just about who wins. Some fighters know how to talk, how to sell a fight, and how to give fans what they want. Fans love excitement, confidence, and real stories. If a fighter shows all that, people are ready to pay to watch them.
Also, fans from different countries bring strong support. When a fighter represents their country with pride, fans show up. We’ve seen it with Khabib from Russia, McGregor from Ireland, Adesanya from Nigeria/New Zealand, and Pimblett from the UK.
UFC’s Role in Growing Their Stars
UFC also helps by giving fighters the right platform. Press conferences, behind-the-scenes shows, and online clips help fans connect more. When people know a fighter’s story, they feel more involved. UFC has smartly used media to grow its stars.
They also match fighters with the right opponents to build hype. A good matchup, with some talk and backstory, increases excitement. That’s why PPV events with strong fighters sell out.
Fans Make the Difference
At the end of the day, it’s the fans who decide who becomes a crowd favorite. They follow social media, buy merchandise, tune in to fights, and create online buzz. UFC fighters who connect with their fans, both inside and outside the cage, always rise higher.
When fans feel they’re part of something bigger, they support that fighter more. UFC stars understand this, and they show love back to their audience. This relationship is what makes everything feel alive on fight night.
Final Thoughts
Some UFC fighters don’t just win fights—they win hearts too. When they walk into the cage, arenas are full, people are watching from home, and the whole vibe changes. Names like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones, Nate Diaz, and Israel Adesanya have shown how one person can move millions.
The new generation—O’Malley, Pimblett, and others—are showing that this trend is far from over. Fans will always love fighters who bring energy, real emotion, and action. And as long as UFC keeps giving them the stage, we’ll keep watching.
