Fighter who competed in UFC event shares his payslip to show how much they really earn per event

A former UFC fighter revealed his payslip after competing for the promotion and provided fascinating insight into what they earn.

UFC is the world’s leading MMA promotion and is home to some of the world’s leading fighters such as Jon Jones and Alex Pereira.

The amount you’re paid by the UFC depends on multiple factors with no fighter taking home more money than Conor McGregor at the peak of his powers.

Back in September, UFC lightweight John Makdessi faced Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 293 and revealed his payslip for the event which provided a fascinating insight into how much money the elite athletes truly earn.

It was the Canadian’s 20th fight in the promotion which he lost via unanimous decision, all three judges scored the contest 29-28 in favour of his opponent.

Makdessi revealed his earnings after the fight and UFC fans might be surprised to see how little he actually took home for putting his body on the line.

It revealed he made a purse of $58,000.00 (£45,300) but was taxed a whopping $26,100.00 (£20,408.63) - a 45 per cent foreign tax. That left him with only $28,461.65 (£22,255.30) with other deductions coming for ‘medical’ and ‘airfare’.

Makdessi wrote on X: "I sacrificed my whole life for this sport and put everything on the line. Damn Australian government and the judges robbed me pretty badly.”

He later deleted his post.

Fighter pay in the UFC has been put under the microscope by YouTuber turned boxing star Jake Paul who has pleaded with Dana White to increase the minimum payments for his athletes.

Image: John Makdessi / X

He told Hotboxin’ ahead of his boxing clash with Mike Tyson: “The fighter minimum in the UFC is $12,500. It should be at least $50,000.

“If they made it $50,000, that would change the smaller fighters’ lives in a big, big, big way. They wouldn’t have to work other jobs, they could afford gym fees, they could afford the proper food. Right now, they’re working other jobs barely scraping by.

“If they changed the fighter minimum to $50,000, it would only cost the UFC $20 million per year. But that $20 million would be going into the smaller fighters’ pockets and it’s a world of a difference. Meanwhile, they’re making $3 billion.”