Daniel Cormier Claims Justin Gaethje Proved Why UFC’s $7.7 Billion Paramount Deal is Worth It

$7.7 billion is indeed a huge price tag for a media rights deal involving MMA, but Justin Gaethje made sure to justify the gigantic amount.

Daniel Cormier Claims Justin Gaethje Proved Why UFC’s $7.7 Billion Paramount Deal is Worth It

Daniel Cormier praises Justin Gaethje for putting on a show for the UFC-Paramount debut (Image via Standard/UFC.com)

UFC 324 kicked off the promotion’s new era with Paramount after previously agreeing on a $7.7 billion deal last year. Moreover, the last UFC event happened mid-December of 2025, and the fans waited well over a month to see the action inside the Octagon.

Popular fighters Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headlined UFC 324 on Paramount+ and delivered a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender in front of the Las Vegas crowd. Amidst this, UFC legend Daniel Cormier was part of the commentary team and probably had the best seat in the arena to witness the main event.

He felt the war that Gaethje and Pimblett had was the best possible way to kickstart the Paramount+ era of the UFC. Not only that, Cormier praised the Arizona native for putting on a show that will benefit the promotion and Paramount moving forward.

It was almost like he (Gaethje) understood the assignment. We are on Paramount. This is a new network, there is going to be new fans. We need to introduce them to what the UFC is. I think after watching that, everybody that was tuned in are going to be lifelong fans.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube Channel

Many in the MMA community have started to compare the fight to the iconic Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar encounter during the first TUF Finale back in 2005. This was a bout that brought in a new wave of fans during the dark ages of the UFC. Dana White has always credited the Griffin vs. Bonnar bout as the one that saved the UFC.

Similarly, Gaethje vs. Pimblett definitely played out the same way that Griffin vs. Bonnar did. It was high-octane action from start to finish. The American fighter always abandoned his game plan and went straight to finish the popular UK fighter. Moreover, ‘The Highlight’ hurt Pimblett multiple times in the fight, with two credited knockdowns in the official stats.

Other than tilting his head backwards throughout, Gaethje didn’t rely on any other defense techniques to avoid the kicks, knee strikes, and volume punches from Paddy Pimblett. He absorbed the shots and put on a beating to his opponent throughout the interim title bout. No matter what his opponent threw at him, Gaethje kept his composure and outboxed Pimblett to become the interim lightweight title holder.

This is why Daniel Cormier felt that the new interim 155lbs kingpin understood the assignment and validated the $7.7 billion price tag for media rights. The UFC events in the 2026 calendar year just started, but some fans feel that Gaethje vs. Pimblett may not be topped as the year’s best fight.

In fact, Pimblett spoke about wanting a Hall of Fame-worthy encounter at UFC 324, and that was exactly what the American fighter delivered him.

Old rival praises Justin Gaethje after persevering against a younger opponent at UFC 324

Justin Gaethje is 37 years old and will turn 38 this year. After competing in many violent wars, one must think about what is motivating ‘The Highlight’ to continue his career. His notable rivals like Dustin Poirier, Eddie Alvarez, Tony Ferguson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov have all left the sport. Meanwhile, Gaethje isn’t here for the money as he wants to get hold of the undisputed title at all costs.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje
Khabib Nurmagomedov praised Justin Gaethje (via X)

His first attempt at the undisputed lightweight title came back in 2020 when he faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254. Other than winning the first round on the judges’ scorecard, the Dagestani legend easily outwrestled Gaethje in the second round and put him to sleep.

Two years later, ‘The Highlight’ got yet another opportunity when he faced Charles Oliveira at UFC 274, but suffered the same fate. At UFC 324, the interim title fight against Pimblett became a pathway to another undisputed title shot for Gaethje. After many trials and tribulations, he will likely face Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title next. This was why Nurmagomedov was happy to see his old rival win at UFC 324.

@Justin_Gaethje absolutely legend, my congratulations. What a fight. And don’t forget Justin almost 38 years old.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via X

The title unification bout with Ilia Topuria can happen at the UFC White House event. This is certainly the best way to have a title fight involving an American fighter at the White House. As such, Gaethje will have the chance to win the undisputed title, possibly at the grandest stage of them all, against a formidable opponent.

Also Read: