Sean Strickland Threatens UFC Exit Over Pay and Boxing

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Sean Strickland Voices UFC Pay Frustrations and Threatens to Change His Fighting Style

Sean Strickland is threatening to quit the UFC or mail in the rest of his fights, even suggesting that he could use ineffective tactics simply to fulfill his contract. Going on record with that threat was probably not a good idea, but complaints from prominent fighters about money have followed a familiar pattern.

Fighters often criticize their pay and make threats without ultimately taking action. Once their individual concerns are addressed, the larger problem tends to disappear. GSP, for example, talked about the need for a union and changing how the industry was built. After meeting with the Fertittas and Dana White, however, he got what he wanted and the issue went away.

Strickland’s situation is complicated by the fact that he recently signed a six-fight contract. Although the UFC receives criticism over fighter pay, the fighters are accepting these agreements. At the same time, fighters can effectively be required to sign longer deals when receiving title opportunities because the UFC does not want someone to win a championship and then walk away.

Strickland said he has fought for the title four times, won it twice, beaten the division’s most feared opponents and already faced half the division. He now wants to box, win a boxing title and put it on his mantle. He also said he would fight Jake Paul for a large payday or face Zufa’s cruiserweight champion.

His broader complaint is that former champions often return after losses and continue fighting until they are knocked out repeatedly. In his view, the UFC helps fighters build a legacy but does not pay them enough to walk away comfortably. As a result, they must continue competing and risk damaging the legacy they created.

Strickland said he is no longer interested in continuing along that path. He wants to box and is trying to work out an opportunity to pursue a boxing title. If the UFC refuses and makes him continue fighting under his contract, he threatened to stick and move, collect his check and move on, even if the audience boos.

His concerns are understandable, but he still signed the contract that created his current situation. There is also a contradiction between criticizing the UFC and then attending its next event in Edmonton, Alberta, only days later, providing the promotion with additional publicity. If he were truly finished with the organization, attending the event would be a surprising choice.