The UFC’s massive new streaming partnership with Paramount+ was expected to mark the beginning of a major shift in how fighters are compensated.
For the promotion, it’s an unprecedented media deal worth $7.7 billion over seven years, replacing the long-standing pay-per-view model with an all-inclusive streaming setup.
For fans, it means every UFC event, including the historic numbered cards, is now available without the old $79.99 PPV charge.
But for UFC lightweight powerhouse Justin Gaethje, who headlines the first-ever UFC event under this new agreement, the deal is not bringing the financial bump many expected.
Instead, Gaethje says he’s being paid exactly the same as before, despite the UFC promoting this Paramount+ launch as a major step forward for fighters.
His reaction has sparked a new conversation about fighter pay, bonus structures, and transparency during one of the biggest transitions in UFC broadcast history.
The UFC–Paramount+ Deal: A New Era Without Pay-Per-View
UFC 324 marks the first official card under the UFC’s new partnership with Paramount+. The deal covers every UFC event for the next seven years and signals the end of traditional pay-per-view.
Fans have mixed reactions; some are excited to access the entire UFC library without paying extra per event, while others question how the UFC will handle fighter payouts without PPV revenue as the backbone.
Historically, select fighters, usually champions and big names, earned PPV points, which could drastically increase their total payout depending on how well the event performed.
On major cards, those PPV points could add millions to a fighter’s income. With the PPV model scrapped under the Paramount deal, many assumed UFC fighters would be offered new, more lucrative contracts.
UFC CEO Dana White has publicly stated that fighter pay will increase, and former double champion Daniel Cormier went as far as saying, “They’re already getting more money.”
According to Cormier, the UFC has been more open than ever to renegotiating deals to reflect the new structure.
But Gaethje disagrees strongly.
Gaethje Says He Isn’t Getting a Penny More
During UFC 324 media day, Justin Gaethje made it clear: he’s not benefiting financially from the Paramount deal at all.
“I hear Daniel Cormier saying everybody is going to get paid more on this card. I’m not getting one dollar more than I would have if this deal did not happen.”
His statement directly contradicts the narrative being pushed publicly by the UFC and others, suggesting a gap between perception and reality.
Gaethje did not confirm whether he previously earned PPV points, though based on UFC norms, it is common for headliners and top contenders to have such clauses.
Regardless, if his contract did include PPV incentives, those would no longer exist as part of the new broadcast system, which makes his frustration understandable.
Despite headlining the historic first Paramount-era card, he says his compensation remains unchanged.
14 UFC Bonuses, But Still Under $1 Million
Gaethje is one of the most entertaining fighters in MMA history, and the stats back that up. Through 14 UFC fights, he has earned 14 performance bonuses, an incredibly rare achievement.
However, he says the bonus system hasn’t paid him as much as people might assume.
“To have 14 bonuses and not equal up to a million dollars is not right. It’s not right.”
Here’s the breakdown based on his bonus history:
- 13 UFC bonuses worth $50,000 each = $650,000
- 1 bonus at UFC 300 worth $300,000 = $300,000
- Total bonus earnings: $950,000
Despite his legendary performances and instant-classic fights, Gaethje is still below the $1 million benchmark from bonuses.
He also expressed regret that he wasn’t given more opportunities to make financially smarter choices earlier in his career.
Fighters often begin earning significant money late in their careers, and Gaethje admits it was difficult to manage income when most of it depended on bonuses and fight purses that fluctuate widely.
Gaethje’s Relationship With Money: A Career of Highs and Hard Lessons
Despite his frustration with UFC pay, Gaethje made it clear he’s grateful for what he’s been able to accomplish financially. He said the bonus money helped him support his family and create a more stable future.
“The best thing I did was probably invest in a commercial property. I purchased a house in Arizona that’s a mile away from my parents. My sister is renting that from me now.”
One of Gaethje’s biggest priorities has always been taking care of the people close to him — something he says he never could have done without his fight career.
“Really just being able to help my family. Help my parents, help my brothers and sisters. Give them Christmas gifts that I would have never been able to give them. Take them on vacations. That’s the smartest thing I did because you can never get that time back with your family.”
It’s a reminder that behind Gaethje’s explosive fighting style is someone who cares deeply about the life he’s building outside the cage.
Why Gaethje’s Complaint Matters: A Bigger Debate About UFC Fighter Pay
Gaethje’s comments are more than personal frustration; they highlight ongoing questions about fighter compensation, transparency, and the merit of performance bonuses.
1. The End of PPV Means Fighters Lose a Major Revenue Stream
PPV points were the most reliable way for top-tier fighters to secure big payouts. Removing the PPV model raises the question:
What replaces it?
If the UFC is saving millions by ending PPV overhead, fighters expect to see some of that money redistributed.
2. Fighters Without PPV Deals Are Already Affected
Even if Gaethje didn’t have PPV points, the new system changes athlete expectations.
Fighters believed the Paramount deal would introduce higher base pay, especially for headliners. Gaethje’s experience shows that may not be happening yet.
3. The Bonus System Needs Reform
Gaethje earning 14 bonuses but still not reaching $1 million raises an important point:
Are bonuses too low for the modern UFC?
A consistency of $50,000, regardless of card size, hasn’t changed in years. Meanwhile, UFC revenue continues to climb.
4. More Transparency Is Needed in Fighter Contracts
Fans rarely see the full terms of a UFC contract. Fighters often can’t discuss the details openly.
As the new broadcast model takes shape, more clarity would help athletes understand how they’ll be paid moving forward.
Dana White’s Promise vs. Reality: A Growing Disconnect?
Dana White insists fighter pay is rising under the new system. Daniel Cormier echoed that statement, saying athletes seem happy with the new negotiations.
But Gaethje’s comments contradict that narrative, raising questions:
- Were only certain fighters offered new deals?
- Are new contracts being rolled out slowly?
- Are fighters without championship status receiving less attention?
- Or is the UFC prioritizing long-term partnerships instead of immediate payouts?
Without answers, fans and fighters are left guessing.
Gaethje’s Value to the UFC: A Proven Draw
Justin Gaethje is not just another fighter on the roster; he’s a top attraction. His fights are consistently among the most exciting in MMA.
He has headlined multiple huge cards, fought for world titles, and built a reputation as one of the most violent, all-action fighters of his generation.
From a business perspective, Gaethje delivers:
- High viewer interest
- Fight of the Night potential every time
- A loyal fanbase
- A style that appeals to mainstream and hardcore audiences
For someone with that level of impact, staying at the same pay during a major broadcast shift seems unfair.
Could This Lead to Contract Negotiations?
Given Gaethje’s public frustration, the UFC may feel pressure to adjust his contract.
The promotion has renegotiated deals for fighters many times in the past, especially when media deals change or when fighters voice concerns publicly.
If Gaethje continues to headline major events under the Paramount+ era, his value remains undeniable. A renegotiated deal could include:
- Higher show money
- New performance incentives
- Loyalty bonuses
- Additional promotional compensation
But for now, Gaethje insists nothing has changed.
The Bigger Picture: Is This a Sign of Fighter Discontent?
While Gaethje is the loudest voice so far, he might not be the only fighter feeling the effects of the new system.
Many athletes who once relied on PPV points will need new compensation structures. If the UFC doesn’t adjust quickly, more fighters may come forward.
This could mark the beginning of a larger discussion about how UFC athletes are paid in a streaming-only future.
Gaethje Remains Focused on the Fight, Even If the Pay Isn’t What He Hoped
Despite the disappointment, Gaethje remains professional. He’s focused on competing, performing, and adding to his legacy.
But he didn’t hide his frustratio,n and that honesty will resonate across the MMA community.
He closed his remarks by reflecting on the things that matter most:
“I’m happy to achieve what I have achieved. Helping my family is huge for me.”
Even though the Paramount deal hasn’t benefitted him financially, Gaethje’s priorities remain grounded, supporting his parents, his siblings, and building generational stability.
Final Thoughts
The UFC’s massive move to Paramount+ promised a new chapter for fighters, fans, and the promotion alike.
But as Justin Gaethje revealed, not everything is progressing as smoothly as advertised.
While executives and analysts claim fighter pay is increasing, Gaethje, one of the promotion’s most exciting and respected competitors, says his paycheck hasn’t changed at all.
His situation raises a crucial question:
If the headliner of the very first Paramount-era card isn’t getting paid more, who is?
As the new system unfolds, the UFC will face pressure to deliver on its promises. Gaethje’s criticism may be the spark that pushes the conversation further, making fighter compensation a key storyline in the months ahead.
For now, fans will tune in to see Gaethje do what he does best, but the debate around fighter pay is far from over.