Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Strickland (31-7) has threatened to leave the UFC if “things don’t change.” The middleweight champion pointed Conor McGregorA reported $30 million payday for a recent appearance that Strickland claims lasted just 30 seconds. He is now considering fighting out of his contract and ending the promotion.
Sean Strickland is considering fighting out of a UFC contract amid pay disputes
Strickland says he is considering vacating his 185-pound title and moving up to light heavyweight to fulfill his UFC contract. He also had a potential fight Jake Paul as a financial incentive to leave the ad.
“Unless things change with the UFC, I have to be honest. I’m over it,” Strickland posted to X. “McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 seconds and they don’t want to pay us a fraction of that. Just thinking about 205, I’m going to finish my contract and finish (Jake Paul) it sounds like fun.”
A fan suggested that Strickland should command a bigger purse for his upset win Israel Adesanya and Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland responded that he earned significantly less than either opponent.
Strickland said in September that against the title defense Nassourdine Imavov was nearing completion, the final hurdle remaining was the negotiation of his wallet. A rematch was initially discussed UFC 335but it could happen now next year.
I have to be honest, if things don’t change with the UFC, I’m a little over it. McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 seconds and they don’t want to pay us a fraction of that. Just thinking about breaking my contract until 205 and scrapping @jakepaul. That sounds fun.
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
October 7, 2026
@Ilia420Hershy @jakepaul Yes and they both made significantly more than me
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA)
October 7, 2026