Justin Gaethje Busts Myth Around ‘Fighter-Friendly’ Paramount Deal: “Not Getting a Dollar More”

UFC veteran Justin Gaethje talks about the recent UFC-Paramount deal and how it has affected fighters' pay.

Justin Gaethje Busts Myth Around ‘Fighter-Friendly’ Paramount Deal: “Not Getting a Dollar More”

Justin Gaethje talks about fighters' pay ahead of UFC 324 (via X)

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Justin Gaethje is getting ready for his comeback fight this Saturday against Paddy Pimblett in a much-anticipated interim lightweight title clash. For Gaethje, it will be his second opportunity to become an interim champion and third overall shot at the title. The veteran understands that this could be his last real chance, while several outside issues have clearly raised his concerns.

UFC 324 is the first-ever UFC-Paramount card, and fans are expecting new things and entertaining fights throughout the entire event. Gaethje recently answered some questions during the media and talked about the new deal surrounding the UFC-Paramount partnership. According to the veteran, despite his fights and performance of the night bonus awards, it has not helped him gain huge financial success.

Oh man, to have 14 bonuses and not equal up to a million dollars, it’s not right. It should be a lot more than that. I should have had opportunities to do smarter things with my money, but I don’t and I haven’t.

Justin Gaethje via UFC 324 Media Day 

Last month, UFC veteran Daniel Cormier went viral for his comments praising the new UFC-Paramount deal, which scrapped the pay-per-view model. According to DC, fighters now are making more money and have the ability to negotiate with UFC. However, during the interview, Gaethje countered the veteran’s comments.

I hear Daniel Cormier saying that everybody’s going to get paid more on this card. I’m not getting $1 more than I would have if this deal didn’t happen.

Justin Gaethje continued.

The UFC-Paramount partnership is a $7.7 billion deal and was marketed as something that will be beneficial for the fighters. According to many experts, the bigger broadcasting network and exposure will help in getting more revenue for UFC. However, Gaethje doesn’t think it has necessarily brought any changes in his fight purse.

The fight purse debate has surrounded UFC for the longest time, with many veteran fighters complaining about the pay structure. The overall percentage of UFC revenue allocated to fighters’ salaries remains low compared to other sports. It will be interesting to see whether, in the upcoming Paramount events, these things will improve significantly for the athletes involved.

Justin Gaethje warns Paddy Pimblett ahead of UFC 324

Going into UFC 324, Justin Gaethje is the betting underdog due to inconsistent form and his risky fighting style. Pimblett, on the other hand, is undefeated in the UFC and has finished veterans recently in his last few fights. Those wins included names like Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson, adding momentum and confidence heading into this massive high-profile matchup. 

Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (via X)

On top of that, the Liverpool native has great wrestling and submission skills, which many believe could neutralize strikers. Pimblett is a true entertainer, claiming Scousers do not get knocked out and showing no fear of Gaethje’s striking exchanges. In a recent interview, ‘The Highlight’ responded honestly while delivering a serious threat toward Pimblett, emphasizing his power.

You don’t have to be a doctor to know that if you have a brain, it can get shut off if I just shake it. I’ll show him – if I can shake his head and make his brain touch his skull, he’s gonna go to sleep.

Justin Gaethje continued. 

Paddy Pimblett is ready for war and wants to give fans a fight to remember. The British fighter plans to beat his opponent and eventually clash against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in a massive future showdown. He has an ongoing beef with the ‘El Matador’ and wants to settle the score soon inside the UFC spotlight decisively.

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