Sean Strickland Expresses Frustration Over UFC Pay and Future

UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland stated via social media that he is considering vacating his 185-pound title due to dissatisfaction with his current pay. Strickland expressed frustration that he is not earning salaries comparable to figures he cited for Conor McGregor and other boxers. He suggested a potential move to the Light Heavyweight division to fulfill his remaining contract obligations and pursue a boxing match against Jake Paul.

The champion's comments follow news that he was not selected to headline the UFC 335 event scheduled for December 12, 2026, in Las Vegas. The promotion instead booked a main event featuring Charles Oliveira against Diego Lopes for the BMF title. Negotiations for a potential fight between Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov reportedly stalled over salary disputes. Despite these statements, Strickland remains the reigning UFC Middleweight champion.