A former UFC fighter uploaded his payslip on social media to show how much they really earn.
John Makdessi, a veteran of 20 UFC fights, was released from the MMA promotion following his unanimous decision defeat to Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 293 back in September 2023.
Makdessi lost a close decision to the Australian fighter, who got the judges' nod - with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28.
Mullarkey vs. Makdessi was a preliminary bout at UFC 293, which took place in Sydney, Australia.
After the fight, which happened to be Makdessi's final bout with Dana White's promotion before being let go, he took to social media to share his payslip.
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He revealed that he made a gross show purse of $58,000.00.
But the Canadian only took home $28,461.65 after being taxed a whopping $26,100.00 - a 45 per cent foreign tax. The pay slip also shows 'medical', 'airfare' and 'others' deductions.
On X, Makdessi wrote: "I sacrificed my whole life for this sport and put everything on the line. Damn Australian government and the judges robbed me pretty badly."
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He later deleted his post.
The 39-year-old entered the UFC as an unbeaten fighter, making his debut at UFC 124 back in December 2010.
He opened the Georges St-Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck 2 event with a points victory over Pat Audinwood.
The veteran lightweight fighter beat the likes of Sam Stout, Daron Cruickshank, Abel Trujillo and Ross Pearson while competing against Donald Cerrone and Yancy Medeiros, among others.
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Fighter pay in the UFC has been a huge topic, with Jake Paul being a big advocate for UFC athletes, having previously called for the minimum pay to be increased.
"The fighter minimum in the UFC is $12,500. It should be at least $50,000," he said.
“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.”
Topics: UFC
Nasir Jabbar