UFC 324 payouts: How much are Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett & others getting paid? Reported & estimated salaries
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC 324 begins the Paramount+ era!
Welcome to 2026 and the beginning of the Paramount+ era, as the UFC kicks off the new year in emphatic fashion with UFC 324 on Saturday night. Live from the iconic T-Mobile Arena, the first numbered pay-per-view of the year delivers a stacked lineup designed to set the tone for what promises to be a blockbuster 12 months in mixed martial arts.
Headlining the card is an interim lightweight championship clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, a matchup that blends elite violence with mainstream star power.
Gaethje’s relentless pressure meets Pimblett’s momentum and swagger, making it a can’t-miss main event. The supporting cast only strengthens the card, with high-stakes bouts including Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong, Derrick Lewis facing Waldo Cortes Acosta, and a pivotal strawweight showdown between Rose Namajunas and Natalia Silva.
The prelims are equally loaded, featuring Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo and several divisional crossroads fights. Streaming exclusively on Paramount+, UFC 324 also benefits from earlier start times, making this hard-hitting, top-to-bottom “banger” more accessible for fans worldwide.
Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett estimated payouts
Justin Gaethje enters UFC 324 as the established financial anchor of the event. Widely regarded as one of the UFC’s most reliable pay-per-view attractions, “The Highlight” has consistently commanded elite-level compensation.
Recent reports indicate Gaethje earned approximately $2.37 million for his bout against Max Holloway at UFC 300 and around $1.66 million against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, figures that combined base salary, win bonuses, performance incentives, and backend earnings.
Based on that trajectory, Gaethje is expected to be the highest-paid fighter on the UFC 324 card. His guaranteed purse is likely set deep in the high six figures, with a matching win bonus and additional upside tied to event performance. When all revenue streams are considered, his total earnings for the night could realistically fall between $1.8 million and $3 million.
For Paddy Pimblett, UFC 324 represents a major financial and commercial milestone. At UFC 314, Pimblett reportedly earned close to $400,000 for his fight with Michael Chandler, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
While he does not yet possess Gaethje’s PPV leverage, his popularity continues to translate into higher paydays. At UFC 324, Pimblett is expected to land firmly in the mid-six-figure range through base pay and win bonuses, with the potential for additional discretionary or backend incentives. A strong showing on a card of this scale could significantly elevate his long-term earning power.
UFC 324 other main cards payouts
Sean O’Malley remains one of the UFC’s most valuable non-title attractions. Following a recent payday that reportedly approached $2 million, O’Malley is once again expected to land a seven-figure purse, with estimates placing his total UFC 324 earnings between $1.2 million and $2 million, depending on bonuses and discretionary incentives.
His opponent, Song Yadong, enters the bout from a much lower pay tier. Based on his recent Fight Night compensation, Song’s earnings are projected to fall in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, with a marquee win potentially reshaping his future contract value.
In the heavyweight matchup, Derrick Lewis continues to benefit from veteran status and consistent bonus upside. His guaranteed pay historically sits in the low-to-mid six figures, and for UFC 324, his total payout is expected to exceed $350,000, with upside toward $450,000 if incentives are triggered.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta, still climbing the ladder, is projected to earn between $120,000 and $200,000, combining base salary, a possible win bonus, and performance awards.
Rose Namajunas remains among the highest-paid women on the roster outside of title fights. Her estimated earnings for UFC 324 are expected to range from $450,000 to $600,000, depending on bonuses. Natalia Silva, by contrast, is still establishing her market value, with projected compensation between $110,000 and $150,000.
Rounding out the card, Arnold Allen’s experience places his expected payout in the $300,000 to $350,000 range. Jean Silva, whose style consistently places him in bonus contention, is projected to earn between $220,000 and $320,000, with incentives playing a decisive role.
With every main-card fighter positioned for at least a six-figure night, UFC 324 stands out as one of the most financially stacked events of the year.
Other main card fighters’ payouts
| Fighter | Base Purse (USD) | Win Bonus (USD) | Promotional / PPV Bonus (USD) | Estimated Total Earnings (USD) |
| Justin Gaethje | $750,000 – $900,000 | $750,000 – $900,000 | $300,000 – $1,200,000 | $1.8M – $3.0M |
| Paddy Pimblett | $350,000 – $450,000 | $350,000 – $450,000 | $100,000 – $300,000 | $800,000 – $1.2M |
| Sean O’Malley | $600,000 – $800,000 | $600,000 – $800,000 | $200,000 – $500,000 | $1.2M – $2.0M |
| Song Yadong | $160,000 – $200,000 | $160,000 – $200,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 | $300,000 – $400,000 |
| Derrick Lewis | $325,000 – $350,000 | $0 – $100,000* | $50,000 – $100,000 | $350,000 – $450,000 |
| Waldo Cortes-Acosta | $60,000 – $100,000 | $60,000 – $100,000 | $0 – $50,000 | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Rose Namajunas | $225,000 – $300,000 | $225,000 – $300,000 | $0 – $50,000 | $450,000 – $600,000 |
| Natalia Silva | $55,000 – $75,000 | $55,000 – $75,000 | $0 – $25,000 | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| Arnold Allen | $300,000 – $325,000 | $0 – $25,000* | $0 – $25,000 | $300,000 – $350,000 |
| Jean Silva | $100,000 – $150,000 | $100,000 – $150,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 | $220,000 – $320,000 |
When is UFC 324 Gaethje vs Pimblett taking place?
UFC 324 takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What time do the prelims and main card start?
The prelims begin at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT, with the main card starting at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.
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