Herb Dean is now more than just an official in black in a sport where decisions are made in a matter of seconds and their effects can last for years. Since he consistently shows up for the most significant battles, he has come to represent calmness and trust, the stakes of which, including the monetary ones, merit careful consideration.
The information that is currently available indicates that he makes about $500,000 a year. Compared to the average UFC referee salary, which typically doesn’t go above $45,000 annually, this is substantially more. This high number is a result of both Dean’s fame and the quantity and significance of the fights he is given. He is more familiar with the nuances of the Octagon than many background referees because he was once an MMA fighter.
| Name | Herb Dean |
|---|---|
| Profession | MMA Referee |
| Specialty | UFC and major fight federations |
| Estimated Annual Salary | Approximately $500,000 |
| Per-Fight Fee | Ranges from $2,500 to $15,000 |
| Other Income Sources | State athletic commissions, commercial endorsements |
| Athletic Background | Former MMA fighter (record: 2–3–0) |
| Notable Events | UFC 229, UFC 61, UFC 48 |
| Source |
He usually gets paid $2,500 per fight at smaller events. But during main event events, particularly those that are televised on pay-per-view, the stakes go up to $15,000. This exemplifies a pay structure that specifically incentivizes proficiency and poise under pressure.
As an aside, or maybe the main point, it’s important to remember that Dean doesn’t only work for the UFC. As an independent contractor, he gets orders from commissions for sports. He officiated 57 fights in 2023 alone, down from 90 the year prior. In addition to being striking, these figures highlight his position as a pillar of MMA continuity.
But fight fees are not the end of Dean’s earnings. His earnings from business alliances and possible sponsorship and promotion agreements, albeit confidential, also support his financial status. Because stability in contract competitions depends on visibility and reputation, this diversification of revenue streams is especially advantageous.
It’s interesting that Dean still has a connection to the ring even after all this time. He officiated the historic Khabib-McGregor bout at UFC 229, which resulted in a scandal outside of the Octagon in addition to a submission. In the midst of all of this mayhem, Dean maintained his composure and broke up the fighters before things got out of control.
His reflexes at UFC 48, when he saw Sylvia’s broken arm and ended the fight in spite of the fighter’s objections, show how responsive he is to the rules as well as the physical and psychological circumstances of the fight. Although these abilities are hard to quantify, they undoubtedly account for his exceptionally high fees.
As far as fans are concerned, Dean is a mainstay of the MMA scene. However, financially speaking, he is a prime example of how steady, high-caliber work can be especially well compensated, even in a field that usually concentrates only on the fighters.
While writing this piece, I discovered something that shocked me more than the statistics: despite the years and the demanding nature of his schedule, Herb Dean was the second most used UFC referee in 2023. This demonstrates that confidence in him has increased with each season rather than decreased.
This actually means that Dean works at a pace that is similar to that of an airline pilot—one that is full of procedures and abrupt changes. He needs to be prepared to act at all times, observing the athletes’ micro-gestures in addition to their movements.
Similar to crisis leadership, this degree of dedication is especially beneficial in the field. Thus, his rates are reasonable rather than inflated. It appears that Dean would have remained at the top for years if there had been a ranking of referees’ added value.
The UFC and its affiliated federations are aware that Dean’s presence guarantees fighters, coaches, and spectators peace of mind in addition to being a sign of excellence. And this is especially crucial in sports, where every second has the power to alter the result.
Herb Dean’s example shows that a person—one who is responsible, calm, and well-prepared—remains indispensable in the face of global trends that increasingly automate procedures in an effort to “save” on labor. And that it’s worth the cost for this.
