A former UFC fighter recently caused a stir on social media by sharing his earnings statement to shed light on the challenges faced by fighters in the industry. John Makdessi, a seasoned veteran with 20 UFC fights under his belt, was released from the MMA promotion after his defeat to Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 293 in September 2023.
In a closely contested match that ended in Mullarkey’s favor with a unanimous decision of 29-28, Makdessi found himself on the losing side. This marked the end of Makdessi’s time with the promotion. Following his last fight with the UFC, Makdessi took to social media to reveal his earnings statement, which showed a gross show purse of $58,000.00.
However, after substantial taxes amounting to $26,100.00, including a hefty 45% foreign tax deduction, Makdessi’s take-home pay was only $28,461.65. The earnings statement also detailed deductions for ‘medical’, ‘airfare’, and ‘others’. Makdessi expressed his frustrations with the situation, highlighting the financial impact of such deductions.
Despite the disappointment, Makdessi’s journey in the UFC has been remarkable. He entered the promotion as an undefeated fighter, making his debut at UFC 124 in December 2010. Throughout his career, Makdessi faced off against notable opponents and secured victories over fighters like Sam Stout, Daron Cruickshank, and Ross Pearson.
The issue of fighter pay in the UFC has been a prominent topic, with personalities like Jake Paul advocating for higher minimum pay for athletes. Paul has called for a minimum pay of $50,000 for UFC fighters, emphasizing the positive impact it could have on their quality of life and ability to focus on their craft without financial stress.
As conversations around fighter pay continue, Makdessi’s transparency regarding his earnings serves as a stark reminder of the financial challenges faced by many athletes in the industry. By sharing his earnings statement, Makdessi has sparked discussions about the necessity for fair compensation and support for fighters who dedicate their lives to the sport.
