Every year, ESPN publishes a list of the 100 most famous athletes in the world using a formula which compiles salary, endorsements, social media followings, and Google searches, and in turn produces a list of the 100 most famous athletes. For example, Soccer phenom Cristiano Ronaldo ranked #1 on the list, while NBA superstar LeBron James ranked #2 on the list.

Surprisingly, two UFC stars ranked on the list. Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey ranked at #23, ahead of any other combat athlete. In addition, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor ranked at #37 on the list.

In addition, boxing legend Floyd Mayweather ranked at #26, and Manny Pacquiao ranked at #35.

Is this a sign of MMA’s growing popularity throughout the world?