Justin Gaethje, for one, isn’t earning any more money for his UFC 324 main event spot than he would have in the pre-Paramount+ era.
That news was confirmed by Gaethje himself during the UFC 324 media day on Wednesday, with media outlets including Cageside Press on hand. “I’m not getting one dollar more than I would have if this deal did not happen,” stated Gaethje, who nonetheless expressed gratitude for the money he’s been able to make from fighting, which has allowed him to invest in a commercial property, and take his family (siblings and parents) on vacation.
“The Highlight” also questioned how, with all his post-fight bonuses (14 in total), they hadn’t even equaled a million dollars.
While Gaethje may not be making more money, however, UFC CEO and President Dana White responded to this comments on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, where he revealed that Gaethje had been offered more money.
“Gaethje, without getting into all that stuff, Gaethje was offered more money, and Gaethje never responded,” White claimed, adding that the promotion and fighter were still on good terms.
White did not give any specifics on what “more money” looked like, nor the terms of any new deal. It likely would have come in the form of a renegotiation or contract extension (more fights, more time etc.). Gaethje is represented by Dominance MMA, who have yet to comment on the matter. However, given their status as one of the largest MMA management firms, it seems surprising that White and company were unable to get a response from the fighter.
The UFC kicks off a seven-year, $7.7 billion dollar U.S. broadcast deal with Paramount+ starting with UFC 324 this Saturday, headlined by Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title. That deal has already expanded to include central America, Brazil, and Australia, with the possibility of more territories being snatched up by the streamer once individual licensing agreements expire. The money is more than twice what the UFC signed for with ESPN back in 2018 (and commencing in 2019), in what was originally a five-year deal worth $1.5 billion over the course of that term. The deal was later expanded and extended.
White has also stated that the UFC’s post-fight bonuses would increase in 2026, though no number has officially been announced.
