UFC Champion Sean Strickland Considers Leaving Promotion Over Pay Dispute and Pursuing Jake Paul Boxing Match

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is questioning his future with the premier MMA promotion due to compensation concerns, drawing comparisons to the earnings of star fighters like Conor McGregor. Taking to social media, Strickland revealed he is contemplating relinquishing his title, moving up to light heavyweight to finish out his contract quickly, and ultimately pursuing a lucrative boxing match against Jake Paul.

The American fighter highlighted McGregor's reported payday for a comeback bout against Max Holloway in July. According to reports, the Irish star earned $30 million for a fight that lasted only 69 seconds before suffering a knee injury.

"I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC I'm kinda over it," Strickland wrote on X. "McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 second and they don't want to pay us a fraction of it."

Strickland regained the middleweight championship in May following a split-decision win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, though he has not yet scheduled his first defense. While a matchup with Nassourdine Imavov was discussed, Strickland reportedly declined the offer due to ongoing pay disagreements.

"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," Strickland added in another post. In response, Jake Paul invited Strickland to reach out to Most Valuable Promotions once his contract expires.

Strickland also pointed to other massive paydays in combat sports, such as Conor Benn's reported $15 million agreement with Zuffa Boxing prior to his fight against Ryan Garcia. Citing mounting injuries and superior financial incentives in boxing, Strickland's future with the UFC remains uncertain as his contract status and number of remaining fights are yet to be clarified.