Sean Strickland Seriously Considering UFC Exit After Getting Into Fighter Pay Dispute

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is eyeing a shock exit from the UFC after not getting lucrative paychecks in the sport.

Sean Strickland Seriously Considering UFC Exit After Getting Into Fighter Pay Dispute

UFC superstar Sean Strickland (Image via Reuters)

UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, is never shy about speaking up whenever he wants. Right now, his main issue is the pay that he receives in the UFC. Strickland doesn’t think the pay is worth enough to put his body on the line training multiple disciplines to stay as a champion.

Weeks earlier, reports suggested that the UFC wanted to book Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov in December. Imavov has called for the fight to happen ever since the American superstar defeated then-champion Khamzat Chimaev in a shocking upset at UFC 328.

When the UFC pivoted to a different matchup in December, Strickland revealed that he wanted proper pay to fight Imavov. Strickland even decided to consider leaving the UFC if things didn’t go his way. Recently, the middleweight champion doubled down on his desire to leave the promotion to pursue boxing.

So, you guys, I fought for the title four times, won it twice. Beat all the boogeyman in the division. Hell, I’ve fought half the division already and I want to box. I’m gonna say the quiet part out loud that nobody says… the [UFC] just doesn’t care anymore. They don’t pay you enough money to walk away.

Sean Strickland said

The middleweight champion also pointed out the alleged mistreatment that UFC does to its fighters. Even after landing a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+, the promotion allegedly doesn’t want to pay the fighters. This has deeply unsettled Strickland.

The UFC build a legacy, they don’t pay you enough so you have to come back and ruin your legacy. This goyslop, repackaged, McDonalds straight to the head. I’m not doing it anymore. I want to fight, I want to box. We’re trying to work that out, but if the UFC says ‘We’re not gonna do that’, well I’m gonna stick and move.

Sean Strickland continued

The UFC is known to play hardball when it comes paying their fighters what they’re worth. Dana White consistently claim that fighter pay goes up every year, yet many champions and top stars always complain.

Strickland, on the other hand, is eyeing a bout against Jake Paul if he cannot come to terms with the UFC. In fact, he tried to fight Paul in a crossover bout two years ago. However, the UFC brass intervened and nothing happened.

That same year, Strickland criticized UFC for underpaying the fighters. This is one such stance he consistently brings up whenever he talks about money. It remains to be seen if ‘Tarzan’ will continue in the UFC as he demands a worthy pay for his next fight.

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Sean Strickland reveals another reason for considering a move to boxing

At UFC 328 earlier this year, Strickland survived the first-round pressure from Khamzat Chimaev to defeat him via decision after five competitive rounds. The American superstar won the middleweight title for the second time in his career.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (Image via X)

Soon, Strickland revealed that he fought with a busted shoulder. UFC commentator Joe Rogan issued immense praise to the champion for prevailing after suffering an injury. Strickland is 35 years of age and the injuries are starting to pile up.

Injuries play a big role in making and breaking a fighter’s career. Former middleweight champions like Chris Weidman, Anderson Silva and Luke Rockhold had a losing run towards the end of their UFC run due to injuries.

Sean Strickland also alluded to being frustrated with injuries in a recent tweet on X. The middleweight champion cited multiple injuries and preferred to compete in boxing bouts as MMA training remains brutal.

There is likely more pay in boxing, but the UFC may not release Strickland from his contract. It remains to be seen if the two parties can reach an agreement for Strickland to continue his MMA career.

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