UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland said he is considering vacating his title and moving to boxing to fight Jake Paul, citing frustration over what he views as unfair pay compared to other UFC stars. “I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC Im kinda over it,” Strickland wrote.
The comments, posted on social media and reported by Bleacher Report, mark one of the clearest public threats yet from Strickland about his future with the promotion. He holds the UFC middleweight title, giving his frustration added weight as a champion rather than a fighter further down the roster.
The Main Development
Strickland’s complaint centers on pay disparity. He pointed directly to Conor McGregor’s earnings as a comparison, writing, “McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 second and they dont want to pay us a fraction of it. Contemplating just going to 205 knocking out my contract and scrapping with @jakepaul. That sounds fun.”
He went further in describing the appeal of leaving the UFC altogether. “the thought of just giving up my belt going to 205 and speed running my contract to fight Jake and make what these guys are making sounds pretty damn appealing,” Strickland said.
Jake Paul appeared to respond on social media, telling Strickland to contact his promotional company, Most Valuable Promotions, to set up a fight, according to Bleacher Report.
What It Means
Strickland’s remarks frame his issue as a broader pay structure problem rather than a single contract gripe. By citing McGregor’s payday for a brief appearance, he is arguing that UFC compensation for champions does not match what boxing or crossover events can offer. No details on specific contract terms or the pay Strickland is seeking have been reported.
There is also no confirmation that Strickland has filed a formal renegotiation request or made official demands to the UFC. His comments so far represent a public statement of frustration rather than a documented business dispute.
Context
Strickland remains the reigning UFC middleweight champion, a position that puts his comments in a different category than a fighter without a title to leverage. Vacating a UFC title to pursue a boxing match would be a significant competitive decision, not just a financial one, since it would require him to give up the championship he currently holds.
The UFC has not issued any official response to Strickland’s comments, and no statement from the promotion has been reported.
What’s Next
No fight between Strickland and Paul has been scheduled, and Strickland has not confirmed any formal step toward vacating his title. His next move, whether that means engaging with Most Valuable Promotions, pursuing a resolution with the UFC or remaining with the promotion as champion, has not been reported.
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