Justin Gaethje has called out the UFC’s new broadcast era over fighter pay, claiming that despite the promotion’s massive Paramount+ deal, his income hasn’t increased by one dollar.
It was a direct rebuttal to earlier comments from UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.
The interim lightweight title contender spoke openly about his pay situation on the eve of UFC 324, even as he prepares for a huge showdown with Paddy Pimblett in Las Vegas.
Justin Gaethje blasts pay situation despite lucrative UFC-Paramount deal
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Gaethje didn’t hold back when asked about fighter compensation under UFC’s new media partnership.
“Oh, man, to have 14 bonuses and not have it equal up to $1 million, it’s not right. 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 card. I’m not getting paid one dollar more than if this deal hadn’t happened.” Gaethje said.
The new $7.7 billion, seven-year media rights agreement between UFC and Paramount+ is designed to make all major UFC events available on the streaming platform without traditional pay-per-view charges, marking a major shift in how fans consume numbered cards and Fight Nights alike.
Many commentators had suggested this influx of broadcast revenue would lead to increased fighter pay, something Gaethje says hasn’t materialised for him under his current contract.
UFC 324 looming as Gaethje vs. Pimblett interim title clash
Gaethje’s frustrations come as he gears up for one of the biggest fights of his career, a main-event interim lightweight title bout against rising British star Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas.
The fight will headline the first numbered event of the UFC’s new broadcast era at T-Mobile Arena, with the winner expected to move closer to an undisputed title shot.
Pimblett, undefeated in the UFC since his 2021 debut, has openly predicted dominance over the veteran Gaethje, and both fighters have traded intense rhetoric in the build-up.
The interim belt on the line represents massive stakes for both men, a chance to step into the spotlight and challenge reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria when he returns from personal leave.
With Gaethje battling not just a formidable opponent but also concerns about compensation and contract structure, UFC 324 promises to be a defining moment in his career, one that could silence critics and reshape narratives about fighter pay in the post-pay-per-view era.
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