“UFC isn’t NFL or NBA” – Sean Strickland reveals harsh reality of competing in MMA after receiving poor contract for upcoming fight

Sean Strickland lost his middleweight title via split decision against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297. The UFC did not give Strickland an immediate rematch despite fan support. Moreover, Strickland refused to accept a bout against Paulo Costa for a lesser payout. ‘Tarzan’ went on an X tirade, talking about the harsh conditions in MMA.

Strickland recently took to X and compared UFC with the NFL and NBA in terms of salary. According to Sean Strickland, the UFC offers significantly lower earning potential than other platforms. The fighter revealed that he could easily make a million dollars just by fighting an influencer and compared it to the common man’s work life.

Here's the thing guys. UFC isn't the NFL or the NBA it's absolutely cut throat. You don't leave this sport happy or well If I fought Jake Paul 1. I'd murder him but 2. We would make millions. Something you guys experience at your jobs. The pay gap just keeps getting wider.

Sean strickland via X

Recently, UFC offered Sean Strickland a fight against Paulo Costa at UFC 302. However, the Brazilian confirmed that Strickland refused to accept it. ‘Tarzan’ responded and mentioned that he was ready to fight, but the money offered by UFC was very low given the short seven-week notice. From the rumored value of the amount, it is significantly lower than what Strickland made in his last two fights.

Strickland has frequently mentioned his intentions to fight Jake Paul in a boxing bout. The pair even had a conversation on social media regarding the deal. Given the contract problems Strickland has had with UFC, many fans have predicted the fighter cannot leave the promotion for boxing until contract expiration. At the moment, the UFC and Strickland need to come to terms about the payout.

Sean Strickland gets real about financial disparity in corporate America

Sean Strickland has always shared his opinions on UFC fighters’ pay and contracts on social media platforms. The fighter doesn’t shy away from it and always reveals his true thoughts about it. This has frequently caught the attention of fans who have always respected the fighter’s honesty.

Recently, on X, a user commended the former champion for using his position and influence to educate people on UFC exploitative contracts and fight purses. Strickland criticized the corporations while replying to the X user.

This is America, it's construction, it's retail. I've been sticking up for you guys my entire career. I'm dealing with way bigger numbers than you guys but it's the same with you. Corporations just taking and taking. The gap gets wider. It's not a UFC thing it's an American thing

Sean Strickland via X

Strickland talked about the bigger picture and mentioned that something like this isn’t just in the UFC but in the whole of America. According to Strickland, big corporations’ involvement has widened the wage gap. As such, Strickland felt such practices had destroyed the country and the concept of the ‘American Dream.’ It remains to be seen if the UFC and Strickland will have a lengthy negotiation behind the scenes.

In case you missed it!

• “I suspect some type of sponsorship deal” – UFC 300 weigh-ins ‘NEW’ gloves announcement has fans hoping for an end to eye-poke controversies
• Jon Jones should SUE ‘two-faced cu*t’ drug-testing agent for defamation, claims Henry Cejudo 

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW