Sean Strickland Threatens to Vacate UFC Title in Explosive Pay Dispute
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland stunned fans Wednesday with a series of social media posts threatening to give up his belt, move to light heavyweight, and run out his contract to chase a Jake Paul payday over fighter pay.
Sean Strickland may be done fighting for the belt he holds. The UFC middleweight champion took to social media Wednesday to air his frustration with fighter pay, openly threatening to vacate his title, move up to light heavyweight, and finish out his contract so he can chase a bigger payday against Jake Paul.
In a string of posts, Strickland contrasted his own earnings with the money made by Conor McGregor, whom he said took home $30 million for a short fight, arguing the UFC won't pay its champions anything close to that level. He said the idea of giving up the 185-pound title, enjoying an easier weight cut at 205, and "speed running" his deal for a lucrative Paul bout sounded increasingly appealing.
The posts threw immediate doubt over the middleweight division's future. Strickland, 35, was expected to make his first title defense against top contender Nassourdine Imavov, who is riding a five-fight win streak. With the promotion having just finalized its December headliners around Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 335, the earliest a Strickland–Imavov fight could happen would be January — and now even that appears uncertain.
Strickland is in his second reign as middleweight champion, having beaten Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in May. Whether Wednesday's outburst is negotiation theater or a genuine breaking point, the champion has put the UFC's pay structure and the division's next move firmly in the spotlight.