5 Most Marketable Fighters in the UFC

The UFC and MMA are comprised of many different personalities and talents, but only a few ever reach the point where they can market themselves successfully in the USA and around the world.

Many factors make up a highly-marketable fighter, and these fighters have proved that they have what it takes to sell themselves and the brand.

This list looks at the top five fighters that are making an impact on MMA with their fame and glory. 

No. 5: Anderson Silva

Although having a handicap in the American media by not speaking perfect English, his lack of native tongue is more than compensated by his abilities. Silva is extremely marketable in Brazil, but outside of that, you won’t see an American Burger King ad showing him anytime soon. 

His marketability comes from his success and his name. He is regarded as the best MMA fighter in the sport, and one of the greatest of all time. He is one of the greatest champions in MMA history and continues to amaze fans with his unorthodox fighting. He lets his actions speak for themselves, and they do a very good job. 

No. 4: Urijah Faber

He was the king of the WEC before the merger took place and was certainly the face of the organization for quite some time. Still, when people think of featherweights, they picture Faber many times. Jose Aldo has since taken that place, but even still, Faber is one of the few names many people can list that fight at 145 off the top of their heads. 

Faber’s clean and handsome looks, with his laid-back, surfer-like style, make him a West Coast gold mine. His relatable character connects well with others and has landed him on many different ads in America. He has done K-Swiss, UFC Personal Trainer and other product lines.

Regardless how he performs in the cage right now, his name still remains strong.

No. 3: Jon Jones

Jon Jones is the shiny new Apple product of MMA. He is the next generation of fighter and has the complete package of marketability. He himself has a clean-look to him but also portrays an equally squeaky-clean inner self.

He is deep in his beliefs in God, as well as himself. He dons the popular verse: “Philippians 4:13” tattooed on his chest and remains very well-spoken in all his endeavors. Not to mention, he keeps his language clean. 

He is a family man and a good person, but his own talent carries his reputation even further. He is the current UFC Light Heavyweight champion and shows no signs of losing anytime soon. 

Now with his newly-acquired fame, he has begun popping up in advertisements as well. K-Swiss, Bud Light and the UFC Store have all been using him to help sell their brands, and on top of it, Jones goes on many talk shows and does many interviews that help complement his visibility in the market. 

No. 2: Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar was a business dream come true when he came to the UFC. His fanbase and fame from the WWE brought a smorgasbord of new fans into the sport. Soon after he came over, he won the UFC Heavyweight title and then proceeded to successfully defend it. He was given the cover of the UFC Undisputed 2010 video game, once again making a great financial gain for the franchise and the company. 

His sheer stature and freakish strength and speed, make his image one of the most powerful ones out there. His massive body with his signature tattoos make him an easily recognizable person, and the ambiguity behind his personal life is intriguing to many. 

His health issues create attention, not to mention his videos of him hunting and claiming wildlife while chewing on some beef jerky. He can be sometimes harshly outspoken, and other times, very closed off, but still remains a huge draw in audience for the UFC.

No. 1: Georges St-Pierre

Many people didn’t think one Canadian guy could rival the great Wayne Gretzky in Canadian and American markets. But Georges St-Pierre has been and continues to build his reputation and fanbase. The whole nation of Canada is essentially GSP’s cheering squad, and a Canadian who is dominating a sport makes for a happy Canada, eh.

GSP is the UFC Welterweight champion, and besides Anderson Silva, is regarded as one of the best (and sometimes the best) fighter in MMA. His intelligence and diligence in getting better and becoming great, sets a bar that is hard work to reach. With a heavy accent, he still speaks nearly perfect English, making his marketability much more fluid in the USA. He and Silva both complement each other’s marketability, since talking about one inevitably leads to inclusion of the other. 

GSP has a huge draw with females, who are not typically the majority of MMA or combat sport fans. One of the best-looking and most athletic-looking fighters out there, he can market himself without saying a single word. Many sponsors have picked him up for ads, such as ESPN, Affliction, Under Armour and more.  

GSP also has his own fitness program, titled “RUSHFIT” for those looking to get into shape with a more relatable interest. 

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