Will the UFC’s Move to Paramount+ Benefit Fighters Financially?
The Paramount+ era could signal a significant change for the UFC. Moving to a streaming model means fans are no longer required to purchase fights under a traditional Pay-Per-View structure. That shift is major news for viewers, but it may be even more significant for the fighters. Many of the UFC’s top athletes signed contracts that included financial incentives tied directly to PPV sales. With the promotion moving away from that model, contracts will need to be restructured and renegotiated.
At first glance, the new system appears favorable for fighters. When asked what the deal would mean for fighter pay, UFC President Dana White said, “I can tell you this, since day one, fighter pay just continues to go up. Every new deal we get, it’s definitely good for the fighters.” While somewhat vague, the statement suggested optimism for increased compensation. Consistent with that message, White announced before the shift to Paramount+ that performance bonuses would increase from $50,000 to $100,000 and that every fighter who secures a finish would receive an additional $50,000. That represents a meaningful raise, particularly for lower-level fighters who can earn as little as $10,000 just to compete.
However, not everything may be as promising as it initially appears, at least according to interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje. Gaethje is no stranger to bonuses. Since debuting in June 2017, he has earned 15 performance bonuses in 15 fights. His most recent bout, a dominant decision victory over Paddy Pimblett, earned him the first $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus in company history. He is expected to compete in a yet-to-be-announced title unification bout with undisputed champion Illia Topuria. Despite the potential for higher bonus payouts, Gaethje expressed skepticism about the broader financial impact of the new deal. “I hear Daniel Cormier saying everybody is going to get paid more on this card,” Gaethje said during UFC 324 media day. “I’m not getting one dollar more than I would have if this deal did not happen.” While lower-ranked fighters may benefit from increased bonus opportunities, it appears that top-tier fighters could see little to no change in base compensation.
That reality is disappointing when viewed within the broader context of combat sports economics. Reports indicate that approximately 19% of UFC revenue goes to fighters, compared to roughly 50% in leagues such as the NBA and NFL. Additionally, White recently signed boxer Conor Benn to his Zuffa Boxing promotion, reportedly paying him $15 million for a single fight. For a fighter like Gaethje, who has consistently delivered high-profile performances, that disparity can be difficult to ignore. The UFC does not appear financially constrained when it comes to paying athletes, yet compensation structures remain largely unchanged at the highest levels. For elite fighters, the transition to streaming may alter distribution models, but their pay could remain largely unchanged.
