UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is considering leaving the promotion amid growing frustration over fighter compensation, with the American suggesting that a potential boxing match against Jake Paul could offer a more attractive financial opportunity.
The two-time UFC middleweight champion has publicly criticised the organisation’s pay structure, questioning why some of its biggest stars receive significantly higher purses while other champions struggle to secure what they consider fair compensation.
Strickland’s comments have raised questions about his immediate future in the UFC, particularly with his first title defence of his second championship reign yet to be scheduled.
Sean Strickland Questions UFC Fighter Pay
Strickland voiced his frustration on social media on October 7, pointing to the reported earnings of former UFC superstar Conor McGregor as an example of the financial disparity between fighters.
The American referenced McGregor’s reported $30 million payday for his July comeback fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329. McGregor reportedly lost the contest in 69 seconds, a figure that Strickland contrasted with the compensation available to other fighters on the UFC roster.
I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC Im kinda over it, Strickland wrote on X.
He added that McGregor could earn tens of millions of dollars for a brief appearance while other fighters struggled to secure comparable compensation.
Strickland’s frustration comes despite his position as one of the UFC’s most recognisable middleweights. Known for his outspoken personality and controversial public statements, the 35-year-old has built a substantial following during his career.
However, his recent comments suggest that championship status and popularity have not necessarily translated into the financial arrangements he wants.
Strickland Considers Vacating His Title
Strickland has suggested that he could relinquish his middleweight championship, move up to light heavyweight and complete the remaining fights on his UFC contract before exploring opportunities outside mixed martial arts.
The thought of just giving up my belt going to 205 and speed running my contract to fight Jake and make what these guys are making sounds pretty damn appealing, he wrote in a separate social media post.
Such a move would represent a significant development for the middleweight division, particularly because Strickland reclaimed the championship in May.
At UFC 328, he defeated previously unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev by split decision to secure his second middleweight title reign. The victory strengthened his position at the top of the division and created expectations surrounding his next championship defence.
A potential matchup against Nassourdine Imavov had reportedly been discussed for later in 2026. However, negotiations have not resulted in a confirmed fight, with compensation reportedly emerging as one of the obstacles.
Strickland has not officially vacated his title or announced his departure from the UFC. His contractual obligations also remain unclear, including the number of fights left on his current deal.
Jake Paul Opens the Door to a Potential Fight
Jake Paul has responded to Strickland’s comments by inviting the champion to contact his promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, when he becomes a free agent.
Paul has increasingly positioned himself within professional boxing, promoting events featuring established fighters and crossover personalities. A potential contest against Strickland would bring together two outspoken figures with audiences extending beyond their respective sports.
For Strickland, boxing represents a possible alternative if he decides that the financial opportunities available in MMA no longer meet his expectations.
The American has also referenced boxer Conor Benn’s reported $15 million agreement with Zuffa Boxing, using the figure to highlight the earning potential available to fighters outside the UFC.
Nevertheless, no boxing match between Strickland and Paul has been officially announced. Any such contest would depend on Strickland’s contractual position, negotiations between the relevant parties and agreement on the terms of a potential fight.
Strickland Admits His Interest in MMA Is Fading
Financial compensation is not the only factor influencing Strickland’s thinking.
In subsequent comments, the champion indicated that the physical demands of mixed martial arts had contributed to his growing interest in pursuing another sport.
Strickland has described the toll of more than two decades of training and suggested that boxing could offer a more appealing next chapter in his combat sports career.
His comments add another dimension to the situation. Rather than presenting the dispute solely as a demand for a higher purse, Strickland has indicated that his long-term motivation to continue competing in MMA has also diminished.
A move into boxing would allow him to remain active in combat sports while exploring a different competitive environment. However, the financial benefits and physical demands of such a transition would depend on the opportunities he ultimately secures.
What Happens Next for Sean Strickland?
Strickland’s immediate future remains uncertain. The champion has not confirmed that he will leave the UFC, and there is no officially announced date for a potential boxing match against Paul. His next move will depend partly on whether the UFC can reach an agreement with him over compensation and his remaining contractual commitments.
The situation also raises broader questions about the relationship between championship success, popularity and fighter earnings in professional MMA.
McGregor’s commercial success has demonstrated the financial possibilities available to fighters who become major crossover stars. However, the earnings of individual athletes vary considerably, and reported figures do not necessarily represent the standard compensation available across the UFC roster.
For now, Strickland appears willing to consider alternatives if his disagreements with the promotion remain unresolved.
Whether that leads to a new UFC contract, a change in weight class or an eventual move into boxing remains to be seen. What is clear is that the middleweight champion has publicly placed his financial future and his desire to continue competing in MMA.
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