John McCarthy told Helwani White was angry he worked for Bellator and said the most he earned refereeing a UFC show was $2,000, estimating Miragliotta made about $1,600 at Vegas 123.
From 5 reports by 5 outletsLatest McCarthy says most he made refereeing a UFC show was $2,000; Miragliotta probably got $1,600 5 outlets
What we know
- McCarthy says he has not officiated a UFC event since 2017.
Reported, not confirmed
- McCarthy says Dana White was 'absolutely pissed' that he worked for Bellator and said he did not want him; he says the UFC puts in names of officials it feels comfortable with, which it should be able to do. Sherdog / Ariel Helwani
- McCarthy says the most he was paid for a UFC card was $2,000, for the 2017 New York show with two title fights. MMA Mania / The Ariel Helwani Show
- McCarthy estimates Dan Miragliotta made about $1,600 for UFC Vegas 123; he says he can't give the exact figure. MMA Mania / The Ariel Helwani Show
- McCarthy says referees are called corrupt over betting and face abuse and death threats; he said Miragliotta was wrong to stand up Moicano from back control. MMA Mania / The Ariel Helwani Show
- No response from White is reported. Sherdog
Veteran referee John McCarthy has explained why he hasn't officiated a UFC event since 2017, and he disputes Dana White's account of how officials are selected. His comments were shared by Ariel Helwani on X.
McCarthy said he worked for Bellator and that White was upset about it. "Dana White was absolutely pissed about that and said, 'I don't want him,'" he said.
He added that it does not bother him and that the UFC submits names of officials it is comfortable with, which he said the promotion should be able to do. The report does not include a response from White.
McCarthy said he worked for Bellator and that White was upset about it. "Dana White was absolutely pissed about that and said, 'I don't want him,'" he said.
He added that it does not bother him and that the UFC submits names of officials it is comfortable with, which he said the promotion should be able to do. The report does not include a response from White.
- Summary
- John McCarthy told Helwani White was angry he worked for Bellator and said the most he earned refereeing a UFC show was $2,000, estimating Miragliotta made about $1,600 at Vegas 123.
- Key points (one per line)
- McCarthy says he hasn't officiated a UFC event since 2017 and that White did not want him back after Bellator.
He says the most he was paid for a UFC show was $2,000, for the 2017 New York card.
He estimates Dan Miragliotta made about $1,600 for UFC Vegas 123 and says referees face abuse and death threats.
- Also reported by (Name | URL per line)
- Sherdog | https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/John-McCarthy-explains-his-long-absence-from-UFC-officiating-203468
MMA Mania | https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-news/483790/big-john-mccarthy-reveals-truth-about-ufc-referee-pay
Bloody Elbow | https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/11/03/how-much-do-ufc-referees-get-paid-big-john-mccarthy-reveals-his-highest-ever-fee/
Knockout Daily | https://knockoutdaily.com/news/big-john-mccarthy-says-dana-white-was-pissed-and-shut-him-out-of-the-octagon
ActuMMA | https://www.actumma.com/big-john-mccarthy-devoile-le-salaire-des-arbitres-et-relance-le-debat-apres-une-decision-controversee/194477/
What they're saying
Fighters in this story
Tom Nolan
Renato MoicanoMore photos
Sources
MMA Mania
Bloody Elbow
Knockout Daily
ActuMMASummarized with AI from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.
Is this story accurate?
Updated
This story just changed.