The List: These UFC fighters have the most followers on Instagram
Social media has become an important image building tool, especially for UFC fighters. In many cases, Instagram gives these public figures a platform to express themselves and get people invested in them. This, along with the fact that social media can generate huge revenues outside of the octagon, makes social media a must for many fighters.
Conor McGregor – 47.4 million Instagram followers
It’s probably not surprising that “The Notorious” Conor McGregor tops this list. The Irishman is very active on social media and often chooses to insert his name into many hot topics. Since his UFC debut, McGregor has shown time and time again how good he is at marketing himself. From his charming and sassy mouth, which is even more effective in Irish, to his impressive fighting record, he is a star like no other, even on Instagram.
Khabib Nurmagomedov – 36.7 million Instagram followers
Despite retiring at a relatively young age, Khabib Nurmagomedov is undeniably a star with fans around the world. Nurmagomedov has a large percentage of Russian followers, and being a well-known athlete in a country of over 144 million people creates a media profile. Nurmagomedov is relatively active on Instagram, giving a glimpse into his life and projects he is working on after his fighting career.
Ronda Rousey – 17.5 million followers on Instagram
Ronda Rousey has undeniably left her mark on the UFC, reaching a level of fame that no other female fighter has since achieved. Rousey’s incredibly successful MMA career has also opened doors in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, and has become a part of the WWE, further enhancing her public brand.
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Israel Adesanya – 8.6 Million Instagram Followers
When you talk about today’s UFC stars, it’s hard not to mention Israel Adesanya. The former middleweight champion has created a strong brand and has many sponsors. One of those sponsors is the drink Prime, created by internet personalities KSI and Logan Paul. This is just one example of how Adesanya chooses carefully what strengthens his brand. Israel Adesanya’s digital popularity is also bolstered by his interest in pop culture, and his nickname “Stylebender” comes from the famous anime series, Avatar.
Jon Jones – 8.4 million Instagram followers
UFC legend Jon Jones is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the world of combat sports. This has led to a huge following on social media and especially on Instagram. However, Jones’ internet activity ebbs and flows, sometimes posting daily and sometimes going weeks without a post. Most of Jon Jones’ posts are training pictures and videos, often praising his coaches and training partners.
