Justin Gaethje demands additional compensation from the UFC
Justin Gaethje believes he is owed more from the UFC and demands more than just another check for his efforts.
Justin Gaethje was one of Joe Rogan's latest guests, appearing on the 181th installment of the JRE MMA Show alongside his head coach, Trevor Wittman. While the three men had a lengthy conversation, Gaethje took the opportunity to request additional compensation from the UFC for his efforts.
Justin Gaethje believes his body of work deserves more
Justin Gaethje has always been one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. In fact, he holds the record for the most Fight of the Night bonuses ever. Given his status as a legendary action fighter, Gaethje believes that he is owed greater compensation from the UFC, saying as much to Rogan (1:26:50):
"I'm in a place where it's like, I deserve to be compensated for what I have done. Not for what I'm going to do. I shouldn't have to fight next. UFC 300, UFC 324, and now this . Those are the biggest stages that the UFC needed somebody to do something phenomenal, and they picked me every single time and I delivered. I wasn't the main event of UFC 300, but the co-main event still stole the show even though I lost, and so I think I need to be compensated for what I've done. That's where I'm at."
Rogan, however, mistook Gaethje's demands and implored him to negotiate for a better purse come his next fight. This prompted Gaethje to correct him on what he is truly after.
"No, no, no, no. I'm not talking about for the next fight. I'm talking about the UFC should make a company and give me equity in that company, so I can build passive income like that."
Gaethje's request is unprecedented, as even Conor McGregor, the biggest star in MMA history, was denied a similar request when he demanded a stake in the UFC back in 2019. However, given that he is now the reigning UFC lightweight champion, having dethroned Ilia Topuria via fourth-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250, 'The Highlight' has enough leverage to, at least, negotiate a more lucrative deal for himself.
There is no news yet on his next opponent, but Gaethje himself has ruled out an immediate rematch with Topuria. All signs point to a potential first title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, who bet on Gaethje to win, but reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is also eyeing a bout with Gaethje in a third crack at the lightweight belt. For now, Gaethje has nothing but options.
