Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland Threatens to Vacate Title Over Pay Disputes

Sean Strickland, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, recently declared his dissatisfaction with his pay compared to other high-profile athletes in combat sports. Strickland stated he is considering vacating his championship belt and moving to light heavyweight to finish the remaining fights on his current contract.

The champion's comments follow reports that a potential title defense against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335 did not materialize due to disagreements over salary. In response to the standoff, Imavov publicly offered to put $500,000 of his own money on the line to entice Strickland into a bout. Strickland has suggested that once his UFC tenure concludes, he intends to pursue a boxing match against Jake Paul.