Jake Paul and Canelo are the only fighters on Forbes’ new 2026 highest-paid athletes list 👀. No MMA fighters made it

Forbes has released its projections for the highest-paid athletes in 2026, and the list features boxing stars Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez as the only combat sports figures. The absence of any mixed martial artists from this high-profile financial forecast is a significant talking point. It underscores the unique financial ecosystem that exists within boxing, particularly for fighters who can leverage massive social media followings and secure lucrative pay-per-view deals.

Jake Paul, transitioning from YouTube personality to professional boxer, has consistently drawn attention and substantial earnings through his bouts, often against former MMA fighters or celebrities. Canelo Alvarez, a multi-division boxing champion, remains one of the sport's pound-for-pound kings and a consistent draw for major boxing events. Their inclusion, while expected given their marketability, comes at the expense of MMA's elite, suggesting that the current financial landscape still favours boxing's established stars for top-tier earnings.

The implications of this list extend beyond mere financial rankings. It points to a potential disparity in mainstream commercial appeal and earning potential between boxing and MMA, despite the latter's growing global popularity. For MMA promotions and fighters looking to maximise their financial output, this Forbes projection serves as a benchmark and a challenge. It suggests that building a fighter's brand to transcend the sport itself, as Paul and Alvarez have managed, is key to reaching these elite earning levels.