Justin Gaethje wants to be compensated for what he’s already done, not what he’s going to do.
Gaethje has already said that he plans on fighting again after taking the rest of 2026 off following back-to-back title wins this year.
One argument for ‘The Highlight’ continuing to compete is that he can financially capitalize now that he’s the undisputed lightweight champion.
While Gaethje has turned down Arman Tsarukyan’s offer following June 14, he would accept a different kind of gift if it came from the UFC.
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Justin Gaethje wants the UFC to compensate him with passive income for everything he’s done
Some have argued that Justin Gaethje should retire after producing the best moment of what has been an incredible run in the UFC.
During an episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan told the lightweight champion that continuing to fight will allow him to reap the financial rewards of being a titleholder.
However, while ‘The Highlight’ believes he should earn more, he thinks he deserves this based on his track record rather than what awaits him.
“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,” Gaethje replied. “I shouldn’t have to fight next to be compensated. UFC 300, UFC 324, and now this. Those are the biggest stages and the UFC needed somebody to do something phenomenal and they picked me and I delivered.
“I’m not talking about for the next fight,” he continued. “The UFC should make a company and give me equity in that company so I can build passive income like that. I’m not saying that’s what they should do.”
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Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
After Gaethje earned two more bonuses on June 14, he’s now received a total of 17 post-fight bonuses across his 16 appearances inside the Octagon.
As he said, he’s always delivered for the promotion when called upon, which is why he argued that he deserved a title shot last year.
While Gaethje could end his career by bowing out on top, after the win that he just produced, his next fight is sure to be huge regardless of what it is.
2026-06-22 17:00:00
