Sean Strickland Criticizes UFC Pay Despite Dana White Claiming Fighter Pay Went Up

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland once again takes shots at UFC fighter pay, citing the low bonuses despite a recent raise.

Sean Strickland Criticizes UFC Pay Despite Dana White Claiming Fighter Pay Went Up

Sean Strickland criticizes UFC pay (via Fox, New Yorker)

Fighter pay remains one of the UFC’s most debated issues, with many athletes questioning compensation levels. UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been among the promotion’s most vocal critics. However, UFC CEO Dana White has consistently defended the company’s pay structure. The debate resurfaced after Strickland criticized the new bonus system despite the UFC’s growing revenues.

The UFC has long used performance bonuses to reward standout fighters beyond their contracted purses. White recently increased the traditional bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000 while adding new finish incentives. The changes came after the promotion secured a $7.7 billion media rights deal with Paramount+. Despite the increases, some fighters remain unconvinced by the current bonus structure.

Known for his outspoken and controversial persona, Strickland has rarely shied away from discussing issues within the UFC. The controversial star recently recaptured the title at UFC 328 by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision. Strickland has also been a longtime critic of fighter compensation. He recently doubled down on those views while discussing the UFC’s current bonus structure.

No one’s getting paid more. What’s the new bonus? $50k? $100k? You say no to a fight? They’ll find some guy in some sandpit who’ll do it for 5k and 5k. That’s how it works. You’ll make more money at Walmart, dude.

Sean Strickland via Complex

The middleweight champion has previously gone on expletive-filled rants aimed at the UFC over several issues. Strickland has also taken aim at other combat sports promotions, including BKFC, during past public comments. Despite his criticism, he has acknowledged the UFC’s position as the industry leader. Strickland has argued that a promotion of its scale should be able to provide better compensation.

White has faced criticism from several prominent figures over UFC fighter pay through the years. Jake Paul has repeatedly accused the UFC of underpaying its athletes and frequently challenged White on the issue. More recently, UFC commentator Joe Rogan has voiced concerns about UFC compensation. Rogan even drew comparisons between fighter earnings and payments made to performers at his comedy clubs.

Dana White has consistently defended the UFC’s approach to fighter pay throughout his tenure. The UFC boss has argued that the promotion gives athletes a platform to build successful careers and earning opportunities. White has also repeatedly dismissed comparisons between boxing and MMA pay. As the debate continues, Sean Strickland remains among the leading voices pushing for greater rewards.

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Sean Strickland hilariously mimics rising Dagestani phenom while sparring

Sean Strickland has built a reputation as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous sparring partners in MMA. The middleweight champion earned that image through years of intense gym sessions, where training partners often described a pace and pressure similar to actual fights. The same qualities define Strickland’s fighting style, which relies on constant pressure and high-volume striking.

Sean Strickland at UFC 328
Sean Strickland at UFC 328 (via X)

Sharaputdin Magomedov has quickly emerged as a rising contender in the UFC middleweight division. The Dagestani striker gained widespread attention at UFC 308, where he delivered a spinning backfist knockout against Armen Petrosyan, earning a spot among the most memorable finishes. That signature technique resurfaced recently when Sean Strickland playfully mimicked it during a sparring session.

Michel Pereira has become one of Sean Strickland’s most frequent training partners at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. The Brazilian contender has regularly shared rounds with the middleweight champion while preparing for his own UFC assignments. Strickland’s latest imitation of ‘Shara Bullet’ was simply the newest example of the pair’s entertaining gym chemistry ahead of their upcoming fights.

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