Sean Strickland shockingly reveals getting offered less than $200K to fight top contender Paulo Costa

Sean Strickland has lifted the veil on the harsh realities of fighter pay in the promotion. In a recent Twitter exchange, Strickland revealed that he was offered far less than expected. This came when he was to take on top-ranked middleweight Paulo Costa on short notice.

It all started when Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, posed a simple question to his followers. He asked them what they thought the UFC offered him to fight Paulo Costa at UFC 302. This is what he posted: 

Out of curiosity... What do you guys think I was offered to fight Costa on 7 weeks notice? Base contract.....?"

Sean Strickland via X

The responses ranged from optimistic guesses of $200,000 to far-reaching estimates of around $500,000. One fan had suggested that he must have at least been offered $200K to show, $200K to win, and a $10K incentive. Sean Strickland quickly shut down those lofty predictions. He replied to this fan saying “Close but less lol.” 

‘Tarzan’ brave­ly shared details about his contract offer. It ce­rtainly sparks discussion around fighter pay in UFC. They surprisingly offere­d him quite a small amount of money to face­ a risky opponent like Costa. This offer came­ even though he was a forme­r champion. Strickland’s openness about the financial te­rms could push for more transparency. The middleweight is currently coming off a loss to Dricus Du Plessis.

Sean Strickland cites the reason for turning down the fight against Paulo Costa

The MMA world is buzzing with the potential clash be­tween middlewe­ight contenders, Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa. Costa first re­vealed UFC offere­d them a fight at UFC 302. However, the­ American fighter reporte­dly rejected.

Never one to shy away from a little verbal sparring, Strickland quickly took to Twitter to respond to Costa’s claims. Strickland’s response took an unexpected turn. He said that he never says no to a fight, just how much he would be getting paid.

I never say no... I say how much.

Sean Strickland via Instagram Story

Costa had claimed that the UFC had initially suggested he fight Jared Cannonier at the upcoming event. However, the promotion then came back to him with a different proposal. He said they wanted him to fight Strickland instead. But according to the Brazilian, Tarzan refused the matchup. Costa is coming off a recent loss to Robert Whittaker.

The MMA landscape continues to evolve. One can only hope that the promotion and its fighters will find a way to collaborate. This would ensure that the athletes are properly compensated for the risks they take in the Octagon.

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