‘Big’ John McCarthy is arguably the best referee in combat sports.
McCarthy has worked numerous high-profile fights, and is an expert when it comes to fighter safety. Just read his analysis of the Lawler vs. MacDonald bout to learn about what he looks for when it comes to keeping fighters safe.
On his podcast, “Let’s Get It On” McCarthy revealed that he will make just $1,900 for refereeing Aldo vs. McGregor at UFC 194.
“We don’t do this because we become rich off of it, and everyone thinks we get rich off of it. We don’t get rich off of it. It is the ability to have that opportunity and honor to be able to step into that cage and that ring with high profile championship fighters that bust their ass to get to that point and you’re busting your ass to get to that point, too. And when you make it, it’s an opportunity, you know? That’s the kind of thing that you sit there and later on in life you go, I was able to get to that.”
From now on, can we collectively agree to begin advocating for higher pay for referees?