Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Dana White, UFC
Nasir Jabbar
An ex-UFC fighter took to social media to share his payslip to show how much they really earn.
John Makdessi, who had 20 fights inside the famed Octagon, was cut from the UFC following his defeat to Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 293 back in September 2023.
Makdessi suffered a close decision defeat to Mullarkey, who was awarded the lightweight contest - with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28.
Mullarkey vs. Makdessi was part of the preliminary portion of UFC 293, which took place at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena.
After the showdown, Makdessi took to social media to reveal his UFC 293 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."
He later deleted his post.
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Makdessi 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 fighter, 39, 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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Makdessi was released from Dana White's promotion following his defeat to Mullarkey at UFC 293.
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.
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“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.”