Former UFC Fighter Reveals Earnings to Highlight Financial Realities
Recently, a former UFC fighter took to social media, shaking up the online discourse by posting his payslip to illustrate the financial landscape for fighters in the sport. John Makdessi, a veteran with an impressive history of 20 bouts in the UFC, parted ways with the promotion following his recent defeat to Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 293 in September 2023.
The match was tightly contested, concluding in a unanimous decision favoring Mullarkey, with judges scoring it 29-28. This loss marked the conclusion of Makdessi’s journey with the UFC. After this pivotal fight, Makdessi shared his payslip on social media, revealing a gross purse of $58,000.00 for the event.
However, after substantial tax deductions amounting to $26,100.00—including a steep 45% foreign tax deduction—Makdessi’s net income came down to $28,461.65. The payslip also included various deductions for expenses such as ‘medical’, ‘airfare’, and other costs. Frustrated by the financial implications, Makdessi expressed his discontent regarding these significant deductions.
Despite this setback, Makdessi’s career within the UFC has been remarkable. He made his debut as an undefeated fighter at UFC 124 back in December 2010. Over the years, he has battled many prominent opponents and achieved notable victories against fighters like Sam Stout, Daron Cruickshank, and Ross Pearson.
The topic of fighter compensation in the UFC has gained considerable attention, with figures like Jake Paul advocating for enhanced minimum pay for athletes. Paul has proposed a minimum salary of $50,000 for UFC fighters, stressing how such a change could significantly enhance their quality of life and allow them to concentrate on their training without the burden of financial strain.
As the conversation around fighter pay progresses, Makdessi’s candidness about his earnings shines a spotlight on the financial struggles many athletes face in the industry. By revealing his payslip, Makdessi has ignited discussions about the urgent need for equitable compensation and support for fighters who dedicate their lives to the sport.
