Herb Dean's Net Worth in 2024: UFC Referee's Earnings and Career Journey

By Ali Hammad June 05, 2024 08:34

Photo by Getty

Mixed martial arts referee and a retired fighter Herb Dean has separated himself as a standout amongst the most respected figures in the game of MMA.

Dean has a reputation for professionalism and impeccable judgment in the Octagon, calling many memorable bouts in the UFC.

The amount he earned in UFC and accumulated net worth makes him the number official UFC referee who proved his talent beyond everyone and set the ideal example that how the top UFC referee looks like.

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Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Herb Dean on September 30, 1970, in Pasadena, California. He started training in martial arts when he was 9 and practiced throughout his teens.

Dean, coincidentally, trained with Frank Trejo before UFC 1 was set to begin.

Eventually, he trained in jiu-jitsu and judo alongside the aikido, his regiment growing over time consisting all the while of aikido.

Dean was introduced to training MMA by fighter Larry Landless at the Submission Factory in Los Angeles in 1996.

Notable UFC Matches

Decorated with several impressive UFC performances showcasing his poise to keep control and make important decisions amidst high stakes, Herb Dean has been one of the referees in the sport of MMA for a long time.

Dean's most prominent fights included:

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II (UFC 148)Dean served as the third man for the long-awaited Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen rematch.
Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (UFC 229): The feud between McGregor and Nurmagomedov reached its boiling point at UFC 229 with Dean serving as the referee.
Jon Jones vs, Alexander Gustafsson II (UFC 232): Dean was the referee for the Jon Jones vs, Alexander Gustafsson rematch

Such high-profile fights only reinforce Herb Dean's standing as one of the very best in the industry.

Accolades and Recognition

It has not gone unnoticed either, with Dean lauded for his outstanding ability as an official.

Receiving the Referee of the Year award from Fighters Only Magazine's World MMA Awards in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019 and 2020.

Dean, whose ability to spot calls is second to none, is the best ref in the business according to UFC president Dana White.

Career Earnings and Net Worth

Dean, who only mentioned his financial success in his statement, said it reflects his excellence and contributions to the sport.

According to the data, Dean takes home a hefty pay of $500,000 a year as a UFC referee.

He earned himself a nice payday at $80,000 from that win over Heard, all told Jimmie's net worth is just a shy south of $2.5 million, further proving how financially successful he is and what a key player he is in the MMA community.

Contributions to the Sport

The many important matches that Dean has refereed, such as the aforementioned matches, shows his experience in difficult situations and being able to make important calls.

Whether you like it or not, referees made mistakes, but Herb Dean is not only respected by the vast majority of fans, fighters, and even a majority of fellow referees, his influence on the sport is undeniable.

The Tale of the Tape

To sum it all up, Herb Dean is a man of professionalism, experience, and substantial contributions to the sport of MMA on his way to becoming the best UFC referee.

Making a salary which is reported to be about $500,000 annually, Dean has a net worth of about $2.5 million, the eminent financial reward for his excellence in keeping the MMA fights clean and safe.