
Sean
Strickland has once again publicly expressed his
dissatisfaction with fighter pay in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Strickland (31-7) has threatened to leave the UFC unless “things
change.” The middleweight champion pointed to Conor
McGregor’s alleged $30 million payday for a recent appearance
that Strickland claimed lasted just 30 seconds. He is now
considering fighting out his contract and leaving the
promotion.
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Sean Strickland considers fighting out UFC contract amid pay
dispute
Strickland says he is considering vacating his 185-pound title and
moving up to light heavyweight to fulfill his UFC contract. He also
floated a potential fight against Jake Paul as
a financial incentive to leave the promotion.
“I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC Im kinda over
it,” Strickland posted on X. “McGregor makes 30 million to fight
for 30 second and they dont want to pay us a fraction of it.
Contemplating just going to 205 knocking out my contract and
scrapping with [Jake Paul] That sounds fun.”
A fan suggested that Strickland should command a larger purse given
his upset victories over Israel
Adesanya and Khamzat
Chimaev. Strickland responded that he earned significantly less
than either opponent.
Strickland said in September that a title defense against Nassourdine
Imavov was close to being finalized, with negotiations over his
purse remaining the final hurdle. The rematch was initially
discussed for UFC
335, but it could now take place next year.
I gotta be honest unless things change with
the UFC Im kinda over it. McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30
second and they dont want to pay us a fraction of it. Contemplating
just going to 205 knocking out my contract and scrapping with
@jakepaul That sounds fun.— Sean
Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
October 7, 2026
@Ilia420Hershy @jakepaul Yep and they both
made significantly more than me— Sean
Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
October 7, 2026