Sean Strickland Claims UFC Forced Him Into Six-Fight Deal Before Title Win

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland's public pay dispute with the promotion has taken another twist, with reports revealing he signed a new six-fight contract before dethroning Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May. MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn reported Friday that sources confirmed the deal was agreed before the title fight, with the champion earning more than $1 million per bout — rebutting earlier claims of a $400,000 show and $400,000 win structure. Strickland, however, told fans on X that he felt pressured into the agreement: "Sign this, or we won't do this," he wrote, adding that fighters have no real power in the sport. The revelation lands days after Strickland threatened to vacate the title, move to light heavyweight, and pursue a boxing crossover with Jake Paul unless his pay improves. He has pointed to Conor McGregor's reported $30 million purses and Conor Benn's $15 million Zuffa Boxing deal as evidence of the gap he wants closed. Strickland remains without a booked title defense, with a rematch against Nassourdine Imavov still unconfirmed after negotiations stalled. Imavov has even offered $500,000 of his own money to make the fight happen. With five fights reportedly left on the deal, the champion's leverage play has a long way to run.