Dana White Pushes Back on Justin Gaethje’s UFC 324 Pay Complaint: “Was Offered More Money and Never Responded”

The UFC’s first numbered event in 2026 will also mark its landmark $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount+, a deal that will retire the previous pay-per-view system and, according to the UFC’s CEO, open the door to higher fighter salaries and higher post-fight bonuses under the new broadcast structure.

However, during the UFC 324 media day bash, “The Highlight” pointed out that his 14 post-fight bonuses still did not amount to $1 million and said he is not making a single dollar more for this event than he would have had without the new deal.

Dana White is disputing concerns about Justin Gaethje’s pay ahead of UFC 324

During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee ShowDana White denied Justin Gaethje’s concerns about his current pay structure and revealed that the UFC offered “The Highlight” a new, higher-paying contract ahead of his interim title fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, but he never responded to the offer.

“We have it completely dialed in,” White said. “We have very smart kids, and they can tell to the smallest digits how close it would be to pay them as if it were a pay-per-view. Gaethje, without going into any of those things, Gaethje was offered more money, and Gaethje never responded. [But] we are good [with Gaethje].”

The UFC’s CEO has repeatedly insisted that fighters will benefit from the new broadcast deal rewarded with a higher compensationadding that post-fight bonuses will also increase, although he did not specify how much more will be paid above the current standard of $50,000.