“Each person has different things going on in their life, and I’m able to help in any way that I could, whether that just be having a conversation, taking a picture, talking about the specific issues going on in someone’s life.” Sounds like a motivational speaker, right? Or maybe a philanthropist? But what if we told you these words came from one of the most ruthless and violent cage fighters in UFC history? Yes! We are talking about the former interim 155lbs and BMF title holder Justin Gaethje.

Yes, the same man who flips off cages, and throws hands like a berserker in the UFC. ‘The Highlight’ is an enigma, a fierce artist inside the cage and a compassionate, thoughtful man outside it. And his bank account reflects both sides of that personality. With UFC 313 on the horizon, let’s dive into how much Gaethje has earned, where his money comes from, and what he does with it.

Justin Gaethje’s 2025 net worth and UFC payouts

As of this year, Gaethje’s net worth is estimated to be between $5-6 million, according to mmasalaries.com. But how did he amass such wealth? Is it all from fight purses, or does he have other income streams fueling his fortune? While some of that comes from endorsement deals and sponsorships, the majority is from years of blood, sweat, and chaos inside the Octagon.

His fight career has been nothing short of electric, and the numbers prove it. From his early days in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) to his UFC debut in 2017, the 36-year-old has always been a show-stealer. But show-stoppers get paid, and few fighters have stacked bonuses like ‘The Highlight’. So, which fights brought in the biggest paydays? What was the moment he truly broke into the UFC’s top earners? Justin Gaethje’s biggest payday? Reportedly, UFC 300 against Max Holloway, where he walked away with an astonishing $2,661,000.

In the past, he’s also cashed in big with fights like his war against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254, which earned him a cool $1.2 million. His earnings have climbed significantly over the years, turning him from a wild brawler to a prizefighter who gets paid like one. Here’s a breakdown of his fight purses, according to mmasalaries.com:

• At UFC 218, he earned $165,000 against Eddie Alvarez.
• His Fight Night showdown with Dustin Poirier brought in $163,500.
• His knockout win over James Vick got him $274,000.
• The barnburner against Edson Barboza saw him take home $294,000.
• His headlining win over Donald Cerrone bumped him up to $315,000.
• Then came the big leagues, UFC 249 against Tony Ferguson, $905,000.
• His title challenge against ‘The Eagle’ at UFC 254 brought in a career-high $1,227,500.
• The Michael Chandler brawl at UFC 268 netted him $556,000.
• His war with Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 saw him earn $652,000.
• Beating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 added another $1,056,000 to his total.
• The Poirier rematch at UFC 291 put $1,136,000 in his pocket.
• And finally, his blockbuster against Max Holloway at UFC 300 saw him cash in a mind-blowing $2,661,000.

That brings his total recorded fight earnings to a staggering $5,472,500, and that’s not even including undisclosed bonuses or backroom deals.

Justin Gaethje’s endorsements & charity

But fighting isn’t the only thing funding Gaethje’s empire. Over the years, he’s secured deals with major brands, boosting his income outside the Octagon. But what kind of brands align with a fighter known for his brutal knockouts? And how much do these deals add to his fortune?

‘The Highlight’ has worked with Gains in Bulk, a supplement brand aimed at helping athletes push their limits. His partnership with his coach Trevor Wittman’s brand ‘ONX Sports’ ensures he has high-quality fight gear, while his own brand, Violent 1, reflects his aggressive fight persona. But is he just another fighter cashing in on endorsements, or is there more to his business mind? He also inked a five-figure deal with Bulge Clothing, a company supporting the Autism Society of America, and even partnered with Pit Boss Grills, proving he’s not just a beast in the cage but also in front of a BBQ.

Despite his rough-and-tumble image, Gaethje has a charitable side that doesn’t get enough attention. Why doesn’t he talk about it more? Back in 2019, he made headlines by paying off the entire lunch debt of students at West Early College. The school publicly thanked him, calling it a “wonderful holiday gift.”

And his degree in Human Services wasn’t just for show. At one point, he planned to work with at-risk youth post-retirement. But does he still see that as his future, or has fighting already given him a different way to inspire? “Although we’re doing it through violence, I know that my actions are inspiring people,” he said in an interview. Whether in or out of the cage, Gaethje is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

Justin Gaethje’s expensive cars and home

So, how does a man who loves violence spend his hard-earned millions? Well, aside from training camps and fight expenses, Gaethje enjoys the finer things in life. His ride collection is proof of that. According to topgear.com, he cruises around in an Audi e-tron, an electric SUV he got through a sponsorship deal. He also owns a Nissan Titan XD, perfect for hauling gear, and a Subaru WRX STI, though that one had a rough run-in with a hailstorm.

When it comes to homes, Gaethje doesn’t settle for anything less than luxury. He’s been known to stay in high-end properties, including a Miami waterfront villa, where he’s spent time alongside UFC greats like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kamaru Usman. The villa boasts jet ski ramps, a private theater, and some of the best views of Biscayne Bay. Not a bad way to kick back between fights.

Justin Gaethje is a paradox. He fights like a madman but speaks like a humanitarian. He wrecks opponents in the Octagon but fixes people’s lives outside of it. And in 2025, he stands as one of the highest-paid lightweights in UFC history, with millions in earnings, lucrative sponsorships, and a lifestyle that screams ‘earned every penny.’

With UFC 313 just around the corner, another big payday is on the horizon. What do you think? Will it be another brutal war? Will he cash another seven-figure check? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!