The UFC finally returns to action this week, and with it comes all the trappings of a normal big event fight week, including fallout from comments made by fighters.
On Saturday, Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title in the main event of UFC 324. Earlier this week, Gaethje spoke with reporters at Media Day where he revealed that despite the new TV rights deal with Paramount worth $7.7 billion, he is not making any more money than he was before. Gaethje’s comments fly directly in the face of previous statements from Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who said that the UFC is giving more money to fighters in the wake of Pay-Per-View no longer being a thing. And speaking with Cormier during Fight Week, Gaethje got to air out his grievances to DC directly.
“You’re out here saying everybody’s getting paid more and you’re f*cking lying!” Gaethje said in a clip posted to Cormier’s YouTube channel. “Why would you say that? Why would you talk out of your ass when you have no idea what’s happening.”
“I actually know,” Cormier replied.
“Oh, you know that I’m getting paid more than I would have if this deal didn’t happen?” Gaethje asked, rhetorically.
“I never said everybody,” Cormier responded.
“You said everybody!” Gaethje interjected. “You said, every, single guy will be getting paid more!”
“No, I said the fighters — are you kidding me?” Cormier asked. “You’re going to do this?”
“You’re gonna throw us under the bus and make us look stupid!” Gaethje insisted.
“I didn’t not throw you under the bus,” Cormier replied.
“We’re not getting paid more, why would you say that?” Gaethje again interjected. “You might be getting paid more! And I hope you are.”
“I don’t get paid nothing,” Cormier said, slyly. “I do this for free. I do this to help you. I love you so I do this.”
“See, that’s how you lie to the people,” Gaethje concluded. “Just like that.”
Cormier and Gaethje are friends, and the entire back-and-forth was mostly good-natured, those tempers did flare at points. And it is perhaps all a big misunderstanding. UFC CEO Dana White recently responded to the situation, declaring that the promotion attempted to update Gaethje’s current deal, but that he and his team never responded.
Warning. Justin Gaethje defends Dustin Poirier from Paddy Pimblett’s criticism, vows ‘I’m going to dog walk this English f*ck.’
Business. Dana White responds to Justin Gaethje’s pay dispute ahead of UFC 324: ‘Gaethje was offered more money.’
White House. Derrick Lewis eyes ‘one in a lifetime’ UFC White House spot, feels he’ll earn title shot with UFC 324 win.
Oscars. ‘The Smashing Machine’ earns single Oscar nomination, Dwayne Johnson shut out.
Turnaround. ‘That ain’t happening’: Arnold Allen scoffs at making quick turnaround for UFC London after UFC 324.
Congress. Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act advances to Congress after adapting new amendments.
Israel Adesanya breaks down UFC 324.
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After 6 long weeks, the UFC is finally back. Can’t wait for tomorrow. Let’s kick this year off right.
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