UFC CEO Dana White had a blunt response when asked about current middleweight champion Sean Strickland’s “contract issues”.
Strickland (31-7 MMA), one of the promotion’s top and most controversial stars, has been making headlines in recent days after suggesting that he is considering vacating his middleweight world title in order to facilitate “speed running” his current UFC contract.
The 35-year-old American had released the following comments online and has since double down on those remarks.
“I gotta be honest, unless things change with the UFC, I’m kinda over it… McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 seconds, and they don’t want to pay us a fraction of it. Contemplating just going to 205, knocking out my contract and scrapping with Jake Paul. That sounds fun.”
Sean Strickland continued:
“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 d— appealing.”
UFC CEO Dana White was asked to comment on Strickland’s recent remarks following the conclusion of tonight’s Fight Night card in Edmonton, Canada, and had the following to say on the matter:
Dana White when asked about Sean Strickland: “There’s absolutely no issues with his contract. He just signed his contract in May.” https://t.co/u8FJHCzegh
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 18, 2026
“There’s absolutely no issues with his contract. He just signed his contract in May.”
Sean Strickland most recently competed this past May at UFC 328 in New Jersey, where he recaptured the promotion’s middleweight title with a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev. Prior to that triumph, Strickland had earned a third-round TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez.
As of this writing, Strickland has not signed on for his next crack at a UFC title defense. While all signs point to a showdown with top contender Nassourdine Imavov being next, Dana White and company have yet to announce the fight as being official.
Do you think we will see Sean Stricklnd defend his UFC middleweight title in 2027? Share your thoughts in the comment section Penn Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
