Justin Gaethje delivered a blunt critique of fighter pay after the UFC’s new media rights deal with Paramount took effect. Gaethje questioned whether the deal benefits those competing, especially those who headline major events. His comments challenged the growing belief that fighters would earn more under the new deal.
The UFC reached a seven-year agreement with Paramount valued at $7.7 billion, averaging $1.1 billion per year. UFC events now move to Paramount+, where they will be available to subscribers at no additional cost.
Ahead of UFC 324, Gaethje clarified that the deal has not changed fighter pay. ‘The Highlight,’ a fan favorite known for his exciting fighting style, pointed to his own career as evidence.
“To have 14 bonuses and not have it equal up to $1 million, it’s not right,” he said during his UFC 324 pre-fight media availability.
Gaethje also disputed comments from Daniel Cormier, who suggested fighters would earn a lot more after the UFC-Paramount deal. He pushed back on that claim, stating his fighter purse remains exactly the same.
“It should be a lot more than that. I should’ve had opportunities to do smarter things with my money, but I haven’t. To this day, I hear Daniel Cormier saying everybody is going to get paid more on this [UFC 324] card,” Gaethje said. “I’m not getting paid one dollar more than if this [Paramount] deal hadn’t happened.”
Justin Gaethje Explains Significance of Winning Interim UFC Championship
Justin Gaethje also spoke about the value of winning the interim UFC lightweight championship. He will have an opportunity to do so when he faces Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 headliner.
As a former interim UFC champion, Gaethje explained that interim title holders earn the same pay as undisputed champions. That makes his upcoming bout more meaningful from a financial standpoint.
If Gaethje becomes interim champion and later challenges Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title, his earnings would increase. In an interview with Sportsnet‘s Diana Belbita, Gaethje confirmed that his contract includes a raise tied to holding a UFC championship.
“When I get the interim [UFC lightweight] championship, then on paper, it’s the exact same as having the undisputed title, with the UFC and my contract,” Gaethje said. “I’m excited about that.”
Gaethje Says He Was Wise with His UFC Career Earnings
Despite his criticism of fighter pay, Gaethje said that he has handled his UFC earnings responsibly. He has earned multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses throughout his career.
Instead of spending his money on luxury items, Gaethje invested in long-term stability for himself and his family. He described the pride he takes in ensuring financial security for his loved ones and prioritizing time with them.
“The best thing I did is probably invest in a commercial property. I purchased a house in Arizona that’s a mile away from my parents, my sister is renting that from me now, and really just being able to help my family,” Gaethje told reporters.
He added:
“Give them Christmas gifts that I never would’ve been able to give them, take them on vacations that I never would have been able to. That’s the smartest thing I did because you never get that time back with your family.”
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