Justin Gaethje ended questions about UFC fighter pay with a six-word response during the UFC 324 press conference, as Dana White watched from the stage.
Justin Gaethje, the interim lightweight title contender, was questioned again about UFC fighter compensation ahead of his upcoming clash with Paddy Pimblett in Las Vegas.
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The exchange followed days of discussion about his recent criticism of the organisation’s pay structure and its new broadcast deal with Paramount+.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Justin Gaethje ends discussion on fighter pay
Justin Gaethje’s earlier comments had prompted a public response from UFC president Dana White, who said the fighter had been offered an improved contract but “never responded.”
Both appeared before reporters together at the pre-fight press conference, where the topic resurfaced once more.
When asked if he stood by his previous comments, Gaethje responded without hesitation. “I’m here to talk about fighting,” he said, ending the conversation as focus turned back to the upcoming bout.
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Gaethje previously stated that despite earning 14 post-fight bonuses during his UFC career, his total payouts had yet to reach $1 million.
He explained that suggestions fighters were benefitting financially from the promotion’s $7.7 billion Paramount+ agreement were inaccurate, contradicting comments made by former champion Daniel Cormier.
Dana White addressed those remarks earlier in the week, telling reporters that Gaethje had been offered revised terms but declined to engage in negotiations.
White added that fighter pay would rise gradually as the new broadcast partnership becomes fully established.
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Focus returns to UFC 324 main event
Justin Gaethje will headline UFC 324 against British lightweight Paddy Pimblett for the interim title. The event marks the UFC’s first major card under the Paramount+ broadcast deal, replacing the organisation’s long-standing arrangement with ESPN.
Gaethje enters the fight seeking another opportunity at the undisputed championship, while Pimblett aims to record the biggest win of his career.
Dana White described UFC 324 as a “statement event” for the company as it launches its new streaming era.
Although Justin Gaethje declined to expand further on fighter pay, his concise six-word answer ensured the focus shifted firmly back to Saturday’s main event in Las Vegas.
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