Justin Gaethje isn’t known for holding back inside the cage, and he certainly didn’t hold back outside of it this week.
During a media day news conference, the former UFC interim lightweight champion openly challenged Daniel Cormier over comments Cormier recently made regarding fighter pay in the Paramount era.
Cormier, a UFC Hall of Famer and longtime analyst, suggested in a YouTube discussion that overall fighter compensation had increased. But Gaethje strongly disagreed, and he made sure to correct the record publicly.
Gaethje Calls Out Cormier’s Claim
The confrontation began when Gaethje appeared on Cormier’s YouTube Channel for an interview.
Right away, Gaethje took issue with Cormier’s comments that UFC athletes are earning more since the UFC’s new business structure.
“You’re out here saying everybody is getting paid more and you’re lying,” Gaethje said sharply. “Why would you say that? Why would you talk out of your ass when you have no idea what’s happening?”
Cormier, not one to back down either, responded calmly: “I actually know.”
That only pushed Gaethje further. The lightweight contender pressed Cormier directly, asking whether he knew Gaethje personally, and was making more because of the Paramount deal.
“You know I’m getting paid more than I would’ve if this deal didn’t happen?” Gaethje asked.
Cormier replied, “I never said everybody.”
But Gaethje countered immediately: “You said everybody. You said every single guy is getting paid more.”
The exchange quickly shifted from simple disagreement to pointed frustration.
Gaethje Accuses Cormier of “Throwing Fighters Under the Bus”
As Gaethje continued, he questioned why Cormier would make such a sweeping statement when many fighters, including himself, feel no boost in their earnings.
“I’ve got to pull both you at different times, you and Ali (Abdelaziz), off your knees when you’re in front of the UFC,” Gaethje said. “You’re going to f*cking throw us under the bus and make us look stupid. We didn’t get paid more. Why would you say that?”
Cormier pushed back: “I didn’t throw you under the bus.”
But Gaethje insisted the comments put fighters in a bad spot by giving fans the impression that everyone is being taken care of financially, something he strongly disputes.
“You might be getting paid more, and I hope you are,” Gaethje said. “But don’t lie and say everyone is.”
Cormier Responds: “I Do This for Free”
Cormier defended himself, saying his statements were not meant to mislead anyone or paint fighters in a negative light. He also claimed he had no financial motive in defending the UFC.
“How would you know? I don’t get paid nothing,” Cormier said. “I do this for free. I do this to help you. I love you, so I do this.”
Gaethje, however, saw that as yet another example of Cormier dismissing the reality fighters face.
“See, and that’s how you lie to the people,” Gaethje replied. “Just like that, nonchalantly, just crazy.”
No Resolution and a Growing Discussion About Fighter Pay
The heated conversation ended without any real conclusion, and the interview soon moved on to other topics. Still, the exchange has already sparked a surge of discussion among fans and fighters online.
Gaethje’s frustration reflects long-standing concerns about UFC pay. Many fighters argue that despite rising revenue, global expansion, and premium broadcast deals, they are not seeing a proportional increase in earnings.
The topic has intensified in recent years, especially with growing comparisons to athlete pay in other major sports.
Cormier, due to his role as a former champion and current broadcaster, often finds himself in the middle of this debate.
His comments about rising pay were likely meant to speak broadly about certain improvements for some fighters, but Gaethje made it clear he felt the statement was inaccurate and irresponsible.
Why Gaethje’s Comments Matter
Justin Gaethje is not just another fighter on the roster. He’s a fan favorite, former interim champion, and one of the most outspoken athletes in the UFC.
When someone of his profile publicly pushes back against claims of improved pay, it adds more pressure on the organization to address the ongoing conversation.
The fact that Gaethje confronted Cormier, someone he respects, shows how serious he feels about the issue. His words reflect the frustration of many fighters who believe their value is not fully recognized financially.
What Comes Next?
Neither Gaethje nor Cormier has made a follow-up statement since the tense moment, but the clip has already circulated widely across social media.
Fans are now waiting to see whether the UFC or other top fighters respond to the disagreement.
The conversation surrounding fighter pay is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
As long as the UFC continues to expand, launch new partnerships, and generate record revenue, fighters like Gaethje will keep pushing for clarity, fairness, and transparency.
For now, the moment stands as one of the most talked-about exchanges of the week, a raw, honest look at the tension that often exists behind the scenes in the world’s biggest MMA promotion.