The UFC president has addressed Justin Gaethje’s recent media day outburst.
As the UFC prepares to kick off its new $7.7 billion broadcasting agreement with Paramount this Saturday, Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion, is set to lead the charge. He will fight Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 while reigning champion Ilya Topuria is on hiatus due to personal reasons.
With the first event of 2026 imminent, there’s uncertainty about how the UFC’s new partnership with Paramount will impact fighters, especially concerning salaries and bonuses. Dana White has asserted that fighter pay will increase, but Gaethje’s recent remarks suggest otherwise.
Dana White has claimed that Gaethje never accepted an offer for higher pay ahead of UFC 324. Speaking to the media, Gaethje revealed his pay for UFC 324 remains unchanged despite the Paramount deal. However, White insists this is because Gaethje didn’t respond to the improved offer. On the Pat McAfee Show, White emphasized that the pay structure has been updated and that Gaethje was indeed presented with more money but simply didn’t reply.
Fans, however, are skeptical of White’s explanation. Many doubt that a fighter would refuse a pay raise without underlying reasons. Reactions ranged from calls for White to be more truthful to speculation that any contract offer might come with restrictive long-term obligations. Several fans believe the full story hasn’t been disclosed, expressing frustration over the lack of transparency from both White and Gaethje.
Fan Take: This dispute highlights ongoing concerns about fighter compensation in the UFC, a critical issue as the promotion embarks on its new broadcast era. How this situation unfolds could set a precedent for fighter pay disputes and transparency, ultimately affecting the sport’s growth and fighter relations.
