How much does UFC referee Herb Dean make?

Herbert Dean, born on September 30, 1970, is an American professional mixed martial arts referee and a former participant in the same sport. He began his martial arts journey at the age of 9, exploring various disciplines throughout his teens. Dean was involved in training for UFC 1 in 1993, where his partner Zane Frazier participated.

Uncertain about the sport's future, Dean continued training with Frank Trejo, expanding into Judo and Jiu Jitsu. In 1996, he found comprehensive MMA training at Submission Factory under Larry Landless. Dean began refereeing because he expressed that he genuinely loves the sport, viewing his role as a referee as akin to a bass player in a band—providing a steady foundation for fighters to showcase their talents in the ring.

Dean has been a part of some major milestones in the sport, including officiating the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor fight at UFC 229. During UFC 70, Dean faced controversy for standing up to the Mirko Cro Cop vs. Gabriel Gonzaga fight, leading to a knockout. Despite occasional criticism, UFC president Dana White has praised Dean's refereeing skills. However, more controversies arose, such as the disputed stoppage in the Renan Barão vs. Urijah Faber

bout at UFC 169 and a late stoppage at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till.

Herb Dean Salary

According to several reports, Herb Dean earns an annual income of approximately $500,000 as a mixed martial arts referee. Dean's unparalleled expertise and reputation as one of the top referees in the industry contribute to the premium compensation he receives.

How much does Herb Dean get paid per fight?

Herb Dean's income fluctuates based on the nature of the matches he oversees. Main card matches typically yield around $2,500 for him, while officiating high-profile bouts can result in earnings ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. The biggest fight that Herb Dean officiated was between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.

Does Herb Dean work for the UFC?

Herb Dean operates as an independent contractor hired by commissions rather than being exclusively affiliated with the UFC as a referee. Dean often officiates fights at ONE Championship, an MMA promotion based out of Singapore. While Herb Dean works as an independent contractor, he is predominantly seen officiating bouts in the UFC compared to other promotions. In 2023, he emerged as the second-highest-used referee in the UFC, overseeing 57 fights, with Mark Smith being the only referee surpassing his count (65 fights).

Last Updated On January 9, 2024