“They Don’t Pay You Enough”- Sean Strickland Threatens UFC Exit Over Pay Dispute, Eyes Boxing Move
Sean Strickland is the current UFC middleweight champion of the world and has built a huge fan following. Earlier this year, against all odds, the fighter beat Khamzat Chimaev via unanimous decision to become a two-time champion.
However, his next title defence is not yet scheduled, and negotiations over a possible fight with Nassourdine Imavov reportedly encountered compensation issues. Fans are eager to see the ‘Tarzan’ back in action; however, it seems like Strickland is losing interest in fighting for the promotion.
“I’m gonna say the quiet part out loud that nobody says… the [UFC] just doesn’t care anymore. They don’t pay you enough money to walk away. The UFC builds a legacy, they don’t pay you enough so you have to come back and ruin your legacy,” said Sean Strickland via Instagram.
Strickland gave examples such as Conor McGregor making over 30 million for a 30-second fight against Max Holloway. He also mocked Zuffa Boxing for paying 15 million to Conor Benn in his debut fight.
Strickland wants the UFC to renegotiate his salary, or he would like to try his luck in boxing, but the UFC isn’t allowing him. The fighter threatened not to fight to entertain his fans if the promotion doesn’t compensate enough.
“I want to box. I want to go win a boxing title. So we’re trying to work that out,” added Strickland. ” But if the UFC says, ‘Hey, we’re not going to do that. We’re going to make you fight.’ Well, I’m going to stick and move, and you guys will boo and I’ll boo while doing it.
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Jake Paul backs Sean Strickland over UFC pay disputes
Sean Strickland has mentioned that if UFC doesn’t allow him to box, he would move up to the light heavyweight division. The fighter plans to finish his contract with the promotion and ultimately move on with his boxing career.
Strickland also mentioned that he would like to fight someone like Jake Paul in order to make a hefty fight purse. Paul was eager to respond and gave Strickland the green light to negotiate a potential fight.
“Sean Strickland, I see your texts but are you out of contract? Tell your “promoter” to call MVP,” wrote Jake Paul via X.
Strickland revealed that he isn’t sure about ‘nuking’ his contract as of now but is definitely eager to fight Paul. According to the fighter, his heart isn’t with MMA anymore, with ongoing injuries such as an AC joint separation and a groin tear.
READ MORE: Michael Bisping Doesn’t Have Khamzat Chimaev In His UFC Top 10 Middleweights Ever
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