How Much Do UFC Referees Make? (Expert Analysis)

Let’s dive into the world of refereeing and find out how much UFC referees make, and much other little-known information about their work.

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How Much Do UFC Referees Make?

Entry-level and less experienced referees typically earn between $250 and $500 per match. In contrast, top-tier referees can make around $2,500 per match and may also receive a substantial pay-per-view bonus of $10,000 for the most significant events.

UFC referees are compensated on a per-fight basis, and their earnings can vary depending on their experience, the prominence of the fights they officiate, and the specific event.

Here’s a breakdown of their pay structure and how much do ufc referees make a year:

Preliminary Fights: For less prominent preliminary fights, referees typically earn between $500 and $1,000 per fight.
Main Card Fights: For more significant main card fights, referees can make between $1,000 and $2,500 per fight. High-profile main events and title fights can see referees earning upwards of $2,500 per fight.

Top Referees: Highly experienced and well-known referees like Herb Dean and John McCarthy can earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per fight. These referees, often involved in the most high-stakes matches, can have annual earnings ranging from $25,000 to over $500,000, especially when officiating numerous high-profile pay-per-view events.
Entry-Level Referees: Those starting out in the MMA refereeing profession might earn as little as $250 per fight, which could total around $14,500 annually if they only officiate lower-tier matches.
Pay-Per-View (PPV) Bonuses: Referees also receive significant bonuses for working on PPV events. These bonuses can add an extra $10,000 per event for the top referees, contributing substantially to their annual income.

Are UFC Referees Employed By the UFC?

UFC referees are not chosen directly by the UFC but by the athletic commissions of the states or countries where the events take place.

How are ufc referees chosen?

Each state or local athletic commission is responsible for appointing referees and judges for MMA events under their jurisdiction.

These commissions, such as the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for events in Las Vegas, select referees based on factors like experience, competence, and performance history.

For example, for major events like UFC title fights, experienced referees such as Herb Dean and Jason Herzog are almost always officiating due to their extensive backgrounds and proven reliability in high-stakes situations.

The commissions aim to ensure that the most qualified officials oversee the most significant bouts to maintain the integrity and safety of the sport.

Who Are The Richest UFC Referees?

Here are some of the richest referees in the UFC:

Herb Dean: Often regarded as the best and most famous MMA referee, Herb Dean is the highest-paid UFC referee. His earnings per fight are around $2,500, with additional bonuses of up to $15,000 for pay-per-view (PPV) events. His annual income is roughly around $500,000.
Jason Herzog: Known for his extensive experience, Herzog has officiated over 700 fights in his career. He earns about $2,500 per fight and receives similar PPV bonuses, leading to an annual salary of around $400,000.

Mark Smith: Formerly a fighter pilot, Mark Smith transitioned to MMA refereeing and earns about $380,000 annually. Like other top referees, he makes $2,500 per fight and gets up to $10,000 for PPV events.
Chris Tognoni: With over a decade of experience, Tognoni also earns around $380,000 per year, receiving $2,500 per fight and similar PPV bonuses.
Keith Peterson: Despite some controversies, Peterson is a respected figure in the UFC, earning approximately $380,000 annually with similar per-fight and PPV earnings.

These referees are among the best in the sport, commanding significant salaries due to their expertise and the critical roles they play in UFC events.

Why Some UFC Referees Earn More Than The Others?

UFC referees’earnings can vary significantly due to several factors:

Experience and Seniority: Referees with more years of experience and a longer tenure in the UFC often earn more. Experienced referees like Herb Dean or John McCarthy have established reputations and command higher fees due to their expertise and reliability in high-stakes situations.

Fight Card Status: The level of the event can affect a referee’s pay. Main events, pay-per-view (PPV) cards, and championship fights usually offer higher pay compared to preliminary bouts or smaller events. High-profile matches generate more revenue and attention, justifying higher compensation for the officials involved.
Skill and Performance: Referees who consistently perform well and make fewer controversial calls are likely to receive better fights. Their skill in managing the fight and ensuring fighter safety can lead to better opportunities and higher pay.
Negotiated Rates: Some referees may negotiate their pay based on their reputation, marketability, and the value they bring to the event. Those who have built a personal brand and have a strong following might leverage their popularity for better pay.

State Athletic Commission Policies: Pay rates can also be influenced by the policies of the state athletic commissions that oversee the events. Different states have varying budgets and pay scales for referees, which can lead to discrepancies in earnings.

Who Is The Highest Paid UFC Referee?

The highest-paid UFC referee is Herb Dean. Dean’s extensive experience, high profile, and consistent performance have made him a prominent figure in the sport, leading to higher earnings compared to other referees.

He is often assigned to main events, championship bouts, and significant pay-per-view fights, which typically offer higher pay due to their importance and revenue generation.

Dean’s reputation for fairness, his ability to handle high-pressure situations, and his longevity in the sport contribute to his status as the highest-paid referee in the UFC. His visibility and popularity among fans also play a role in his higher earnings, as top referees are crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the sport.

MMA vs Boxing Referees — Who Earns More?

In general, boxing referees tend to earn more than MMA referees, including those in the UFC.

For example, boxing referees for major fights might earn between $10,000 and $25,000 per bout, while referees for regular events might earn several hundred to a few thousand dollars per match.

In comparison, UFC referees’ pay generally ranges from a few hundred dollars for preliminary fights to a few thousand dollars for main events, with top referees like Herb Dean earning significantly more for high-profile matches but still typically less than their boxing counterparts for equivalent high-profile events.

Several factors contribute to this disparity:

Event Revenue: Major boxing matches, especially high-profile title fights, can generate significantly higher revenue compared to most MMA events. This higher revenue translates to better pay for officials involved, including referees.
Tradition and Longevity: Boxing has a longer history as a mainstream sport compared to MMA. The established nature of boxing often leads to higher pay for referees who have been part of the sport for decades.

High-Profile Fights: Top boxing matches, such as those featuring superstars like Floyd Mayweather or Canelo Alvarez, can attract enormous global audiences and generate huge pay-per-view buys.

Do UFC Referees Work With Other Promotions?

Yes, UFC referees often work with other MMA organizations and promotions. The nature of refereeing in MMA is such that many referees are not exclusive to the UFC and take assignments from various promotions.

This is partly because referees receive compensation on a fight-by-fight basis and are not full-time employees of any one organization.

For example, well-known referees like Herb Dean, John McCarthy, and Marc Goddard have officiated in multiple MMA promotions including Bellator, ONE Championship, and others, in addition to their work in the UFC.

This flexibility allows them to gain more experience and maintain their skills across different levels of competition and various rule sets.

Regulatory bodies such as state athletic commissions or international equivalents are often responsible for assigning referees to events within their jurisdiction, rather than the promotions themselves.

This further facilitates referees working across different organizations, as they are selected based on their credentials and experience rather than organizational exclusivity.

How You Can Become a UFC Referee?

Becoming a UFC referee, like any other professional sports officiating role, typically requires a combination of experience, education, and certification. Here are some general steps you can take to pursue a career as a UFC referee:

Gain Experience: Start by officiating amateur MMA bouts or other combat sports events in your local area. This could include working with regional MMA promotions, amateur organizations, or smaller-scale events.

Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. This rule set serves as the standard rule set for most MMA competitions, including the UFC. You should have a deep understanding of the rules, regulations, and guidelines governing MMA fights.
Attend Officiating Courses: Look for officiating courses and seminars offered by reputable organizations or associations. These courses can provide valuable education on officiating techniques, rules interpretation, and practical training scenarios.
Seek Certification: Many jurisdictions require referees to be certified by a recognized sanctioning body or athletic commission. Research the requirements for certification in your area and pursue the necessary training and accreditation.

Gain Recognition: As you gain experience and demonstrate your competency as a referee, seek opportunities to officiate at larger events and higher-profile competitions. Building a reputation as a skilled and reliable referee can increase your chances of getting into the UFC.
Apply for Opportunities: Keep an eye out for openings for UFC referees. You may find these opportunities online, through officiating associations, or via networking contacts.
Be Patient and Persistent: Becoming a UFC referee is a competitive process that may take time and persistence. Stay dedicated to your training and development, and be ready to seize opportunities as they arise.