UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has expressed his frustration with the promotion over fighter pay, suggesting he could relinquish his title and complete his contract before pursuing a boxing match with Jake Paul.
Strickland had been expected to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335, but negotiations failed to produce an agreement. The American recently appeared to confirm reports that his financial demands were behind the delay, responding “bingo lol” when asked on Instagram whether he had requested more money.
“I gotta be honest, unless things change with the UFC Im kinda over it,” wrote Strickland on X, as he addressed his dissatisfaction with his current contract and suggested that he could pursue opportunities outside the promotion.
Strickland also pointed to the reported $15 million payday secured by boxer Conor Benn following his move to Zuffa Boxing, questioning the disparity in earnings between fighters. He suggested that moving up to light heavyweight and completing his remaining UFC obligations could allow him to pursue a more lucrative boxing contest against Jake Paul.
The 185-pound champion also expressed frustration with the demands of making the middleweight limit, suggesting that the financial rewards did not justify the effort involved. No agreement has been reached regarding his proposed title defence against Imavov, who previously offered to contribute $500,000 of his own money towards securing the matchup. Strickland regained the UFC middleweight championship with a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May, beginning his second reign as champion. Imavov had been expected to receive the next title opportunity, but no bout has been officially announced, leaving Strickland’s immediate future uncertain.
