Conor vs Brock – Who is the UFC’s PPV King?

So who wins in a head-to-head matchup – Conor McGregor or Brock Lesnar.  No, we don’t mean if they fought each other inside the octagon (although McGregor probably would be up for that battle), but rather at the bank.  Which fighter brings in the most pay-per-view sales when they headline for the UFC?

This question has become much more relevant what with the return of the former heavyweight champion Lesnar to the cage tonight.  During his first run through the UFC, he sold PPVs at an unprecedented rate.  But since his departure, the brash Irishman McGregor has set the MMA world on fire with his mouth, fists, feet, and selling ability. So let’s take a peek at the numbers and try to decide who is the real UFC PPV king – Brock Lesnar or Conor McGregor.

(fighter is only credited for PPVs that he headlined.  all figures from our all-time UFC PPV sales database)

Total PPV Sales 

Brock Lesnar: 5,620,000
Conor McGregor: 3,525,000
Average PPV Sales

Conor McGregor: 1,175,000
Brock Lesnar: 1,071,000
% PPV Sales Increase
(increase in PPV sales for a McGregor or Lesnar headlined PPV compared to PPVs headlined by other fighters during same 6 month period)

Conor McGregor: 271%
Brock Lesnar: 204%

So, in conclusion – both guys are MASSIVE box office draws.  But we’re going to give the edge to McGregor based on his higher average sales and his ability to sell 2.71 PPVs for every 1 PPV his contemporaries sell.  The man truly does have all the numbers.