There has never been a greater time to be an athlete in the UFC.

Last year, the company was sold for $4.2 billion (£3.35 billion), the largest single franchise sale in the history of sports.

The popularity of the company's fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor transcends mixed martial arts as it infiltrates Hollywood and rival combat sports.

But how much will the fighters earn in the coming year?

Forbes has predicted salary packages of five top UFC fighters based on status, anticipated opponents, and activity of the fighter (how many fights they are expected to have).

Scroll down to see the five UFC superstars who will earn the most in 2017, ranked in ascending order of precited earnings, according to Forbes.