What is John McCarthy’s Net Worth?
John McCarthy, a former American MMA referee, has a net worth of $1 million. He is best known for being the first head referee for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Currently, McCarthy is a broadcaster for Bellator MMA and co-hosts the podcast “Weighing In” with Josh Thomson, which focuses on MMA and combat sports.
Early Life and Career
John Michael McCarthy was born in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 1962. He spent several years as a Tactical Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy before retiring in 2008 after a thirty-year career in that position.
UFC Career
McCarthy began training with Rorion Gracie at the family’s L.A. facility and became involved with the newly created Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993. He served as the referee for UFC 2 in 1994, launching his career as a UFC ref.
John McCarthy’s Career as a Referee
John McCarthy is a renowned referee who has officiated hundreds of bouts in major MMA promotions and events. He played a significant role in making the sport safer by providing suggestions and feedback that led to new adopted guidelines. McCarthy’s catchphrase, “Let’s get it on,” became iconic and synonymous with his refereeing style.
McCarthy’s imposing size and stature earned him the nickname “Big John.” Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 260 pounds, he towered over most fighters he stood with in the ring. UFC co-founder and promoter Art Davie reportedly gave him the nickname after McCarthy lifted him off the ground and held him in the air.
After retiring briefly in 2007, McCarthy retired for good from UFC refereeing in 2018. He joined rival organization Bellator as a commentator, continuing to contribute to the MMA world.
Big John McCarthy’s Earnings as a Referee
John McCarthy revealed in a 2015 podcast that his earnings as a referee could range from as little as $400 for a lower level fight to only $1,900 for a high profile fight, such as the Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo bout in December 2015.
John McCarthy’s Achievements
John McCarthy was awarded Referee of the Year three times at the World MMA Awards in 2015, 2016, and 2017. He was also inducted into the MMA Freak Hall of Fame Class of 2013.
McCarthy appeared in several television shows and movies including Friends, Bully Beatdown, Entourage, and Never Back Down 2: The Beat Down.
He was also featured in the mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life.
John McCarthy’s Personal Life and Career
John McCarthy, a resident of Tennessee, is a proud father of two sons and a daughter. One of his children has been serving as an MMA judge since 2013.
In 2011, McCarthy’s autobiography “Let’s Get It On – The Making of MMA and its Ultimate Referee” was published, showcasing his journey as an MMA referee.
You May Also Like
ncG1vNJzZmiopaG9ta3SraCcZpOkunC2zqGlZqWTmK6zwMeyZKedpGLEsL7ToWY%3D