How much do UFC referees get paid? Big John McCarthy reveals his highest-ever fee

McCarthy has opened up about referee pay.

By Jordan Ellis · Bloodyelbow

Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 6:00 AM

Key Things to Know

"Big" John McCarthy revealed the highest fee he ever received for officiating a UFC event was $2,000.
Referees typically earn around $1,500 to $1,600 per event regardless of whether they officiate championship bouts.
McCarthy estimated that referee Dan Miragliotta likely made around $1,600 for officiating at UFC Vegas 123.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former veteran referee "Big" John McCarthy revealed that the most he ever earned officiating a UFC event was $2,000, which occurred at his final event in New York in 2017. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, McCarthy noted that typical event pay for referees is around $1,500 to $1,600, regardless of whether they oversee championship fights.

McCarthy raised the pay issue following backlash against Dan Miragliotta's officiating at UFC Vegas 123. He highlighted that despite dealing with intense criticism, allegations of corruption from sports bettors, and death threats, athletic commissions pay officials relatively low fees for handling high-pressure split-second decisions.

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How much do UFC referees get paid? Big John McCarthy reveals his highest-ever fee

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