Sean Strickland Criticizes UFC Fighter Pay, Targets Potential Boxing Move

Sean Strickland, currently in his second reign as UFC middleweight champion, took to social media to voice his frustrations over being under-compensated and under-appreciated. According to a report by MMA Fighting, Strickland criticized the promotion for overpaying star Conor McGregor, who has competed only once since 2021, and called out Zuffa Boxing's signing of Conor Benn.

In a follow-up video, Strickland explained that having already fought half the middleweight division, his primary objective is to capture a boxing title. He also stated he is open to a lucrative matchup against Jake Paul if his contractual obligations allow it. The outspoken champion accused the UFC of stringing its best fighters along without providing a realistic financial path to retirement, noting that former champions are often forced to take three or four more bouts after losing because they are not paid enough to comfortably walk away.

While rematches with Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov have been rumored to be in the works, Strickland has spent much of the past few months dealing with injuries and is now focused on maximizing his financial compensation. Strickland warned that if the promotion blocks his boxing ambitions and forces him to compete in mixed martial arts, he intends to rely purely on a safe, "stick and move" style rather than engaging in high-risk brawls.