Apart from experience, there are other factors as well that dictate a UFC refs income, which are:This is generally around ,000 per match at the top level, but this can jump to ,000 to ,500 per PPV event. Overall, when it comes to how much does a UFC ref earn in a year, females get approximately 40% less than male referees.
How Much Do UFC Refs Make?
As with Herzog, he gets paid around 0,000 per year and is also in the highest payment bracket of ,500 for regular bouts and up to ,000 for PPVs. His training as a fighter pilot allows him to stay calm in the octagon and make the right calls under pressure.
- Beginners
- Professionals
- Females
Overall, this has led him to an annual salary of a little under 0,000, and he’s in the highest bracket when it comes to payments per fight. As with all top referees, he is known for being fair and accurate with his decisions. This has led him to be respected by fighters and fans alike.A referee’s salary structure is as low as 0 for some matches and as high as ,000 for others. Let’s break down the structure for the various referees and then see the average UFC refs salary. There is no fixed salary for a UFC judge and they earn less than referees. Depending on several factors, mostly how much revenue is generated from a fight, they may earn somewhere between 0 to 0 per match.For a long time Herb Dean has been one of the best refs in the sport, so it’s no surprise to see him in the number one spot.
- Experience of the referee
- Location of the event
- Type of event
- Gender
There is no substitute for experience, and Kerry Hatley has that in abundance. Name an MMA company, and Hatley has probably worked for them. These days, he’s found a home in the UFC and is still very active as an elite referee.However, some have annual salaries of up to 0,000. If you’re wondering about the average salary of UFC refs, then it’s almost impossible to calculate, as most get paid on a per-fight basis.Finally, we have Leon Roberts. If there is one common theme with every referee on this list, it’s experience. With over 1,000 bouts to his name, if a fighter steps into the same octagon as Roberts, they know they are in a safe pair of hands.
What Is the UFC Refs Salary Structure?
Naturally, certain referees perform their duties more effectively than others. As a result, it is not unexpected that some referees receive higher compensation than others. However, how much do UFC referees earn? In this article, we will explore the remuneration they receive and the variables that influence it. Let us commence!In various sports, including the UFC, referees play a crucial role. They maintain the match’s pace, prevent any misconduct, and safeguard fighters by stopping fights when they are unable to defend themselves.As their reputation and skills grow, they are able to ref high level events in which they can earn a minimum of ,500, to a maximum of ,000 for one event.Herb Dean not only has the highest annual contract but also earns more in PPV matches compared to the rest of the top referees.He gets paid per fight at the highest levels of pay, and with over 40 fights officiated in 2022, he’s able to earn a great living from the UFC.This will depend on factors such as the size of the event and their experience. However, translators are often paid approximately 0 to 0 per event. Any expenses they have are usually covered by the UFC.
Top 10 highest-earning referees in UFC currently.
Some of the biggest fights in UFC history have been reffed by Dean. This is partly due to his clarity in the ring where he is able to make calm and rational decisions.
1. Herb Dean
Fights that are refereed improperly will result in criticism, calling into question the referee’s judgment, and a detrimental impact on the referee’s career. There have been many cases where referees have made big mistakes in huge fights. Those that can prove they get it right almost all of the time will undoubtedly receive higher salaries.His pay works in the same way as Hatley and Beltran, with him being paid a handsome amount per fight. With a perfect understanding of the intricacies of the sport and the rules, he deserves every cent.Once they prove they have developed the necessary skills and experience, they are offered high level matches such as preliminary or main card fights.He earned his reputation in the ring due to his ability to control the fight and the fighters, when necessary, effortlessly learning the rules and regulations, and maintaining an authoritative presence in the ring to ensure the fight goes fair and square.
2. Jason Herzog
Importantly, he’s also known for his rapid responses and being able to protect fighters from any unnecessary punishment, while not ending bouts too early. All of that leads to a contract worth 0,000.When starting out, UFC refs need to prove they are good at their jobs, are able to make quick and accurate decisions, and are brave enough to rush in and break the fighters apart.
3. Mark Smith
Jason Herzon is another well-known referee, and has officiated over 700 fights, giving him an incredible wealth of experience. Those 700 fights haven’t all been in the UFC, as he has worked under Bellator and Invicta FC.Beginners – Beginners are rarely awarded contracts, and their earnings range from 0 to 0 per match. Their annual UFC refs salary ranges between ,000 and ,000.
4. Chris Tognoni
They receive a payment of ,500 per match, and for high-profile fights such as pay-per-view, they can earn ,000 to ,000, excluding bonuses. Their yearly wages range from ,000 to 0,000.He’s another with an incredible amount of experience with many different MMA promotions. His pay is similar to that of Kerry Hatley in that his base salary is unknown, but he is likely to receive well over 0,000 per year.
5. Keith Peterson
Tognomi has been a high-quality ref for over 10 years now and has gained a huge amount of respect. When it comes to how much does a UFC ref earn a year, he is on par with Smith and Herzog, and only a little behind Dean.Mark Smith had an interesting route to the UFC as he used to be a retired fighter pilot. Clearly, he wasn’t looking for a peaceful retirement as he decided to officiate on one of the most brutal sports in the world!
6. Marc Goddard
Females – Female referees earn the same amount when they are beginners, but once they reach the professional level, they fall into the female referee category. They also earn less compared to male referees.He is a professional fighter who turned referee and is undoubtedly the highest-paid UFC referee, earning ,500 per fight and ,00 to ,000 per PPV bonus match. Herb’s annual contract is approximately 0,000.
7. Dan Miragliotta
UFC referees can earn anywhere from 0 to ,000 per fight. This is a huge range, and generally, we can break this down further into three categories:Most referees don’t get a fixed monthly salary; they get paid per fight. However, the most reputable referees get a base salary or an annual contract apart from the earnings they receive from matches. Here is a list of the current highest-paid UFC referees.
8. Kerry Hatley
Professionals – They are people who have years of experience. They are usually retired MMA fighters and are well-versed in the laws and regulations. Professional referees are handpicked by organizations and offered a base salary, which could be a one-year contract or as long as a five-year contract.Beginners, whether male or female, are paid between 0 to 0 for one match. The exact UFC refs salary will naturally depend on how many bouts they officiate, but this generally works out to be an annual salary of ,000 to ,000.
9. Mike Beltran
Another respected referee with an annual contract of 0,000 is Dan Miragliotta. Dan Miragliotta is a well-respected and highly experienced referee.It depends on the organization and figures can vary widely. Most will earn between 0 to ,500, but this may be less for smaller organizations. UFC is the elite level of the sport, which is why their referees can earn up to ,000 per fight.
10. Leon Roberts
Marc Goddard is a highly respected UFC referee and is the only UK referee on the list. One of the reasons that he is so well respected, and highly paid, is just how long he has been in the sport.There is perhaps not a more distinctive referee in the world than Mike Beltran. He is known for his epic mustache, but his skill goes far beyond the ability to grow facial hair!
How Much Do UFC Refs Make – FAQs
What is the salary of a UFC referee for each match?
Herb Dean is the highest-paid professional referee. It is estimated that his annual revenue from officiating is around 0,000.Amateur referees earn up to 0 to 0 per match. Professional female referees get ,000 per match and ,000 to ,500 per PPV event. Professional male referees earn the most. They make between ,500 and ,000 for the most high-profile matches.
Do UFC refs have bonuses?
Whether as a fighter or a ref, he has been working in MMA for well over 20 years. His annual salary is 0,000, and he’s still used for some of UFC’s biggest fight nights.
How much do UFC judges make?
Professional referees earn more not only from the matches but also from yearly contracts, which give them a base salary. Bonuses are another form of revenue that most referees get from high level matches.
Do UFC refs pay better than fighters?
Still, his base salary of 0,000 shows how much the organization values his skills as an official. He has come under criticism in the past but is still actively working and, a few bad nights aside, has proved himself to be a brilliant referee.
How much do MMA refs make?
Hopefully, now we’ve answered your question on how much do UFC refs get paid. While obviously not on the level of UFC fighters, becoming a UFC referee can have a great career. As we’ve seen here, many refs earn over 0,000 per year. But to get to that level, they need to have plenty of experience and a history of making the right calls at the right time.
How much does Herb Dean make?
Table of Contents
What is the UFC translator’s salary?
While they may receive the likes of sponsorship bonuses, UFC referees don’t receive a bonus for their performance during fights. While fighters can often get bonuses for the likes of “Fight of the Night,” referees will get their standard fee.
Final Thoughts
The best referees may get paid more for high-profile fights than a UFC novice gets paid for their first fights. However, at the elite level, UFC fighters get paid much more than referees.
