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Sean Strickland debating vacating title to push towards UFC exit over pay dispute: 'Kinda over it'
Sean Strickland says he may give up his belt and move to light heavyweight after the UFC reportedly offered $400,000 to $400,000 for a defense.
- On Wednesday, October 7, 2026, UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland threatened to leave the organization, suggesting he could vacate his title and "speed run" his contract by fighting Jake Paul.
- Strickland cited dissatisfaction with current UFC compensation, comparing his potential earnings to Conor McGregor, who reportedly earned $30 million for a 30-second fight.
- Contemplating a move to the 205-pound light heavyweight division, the fighter indicated he could secure a larger payday in boxing while Paul instructed him to contact Most Valuable Promotions to arrange a potential bout.
- A heated in-person confrontation occurred Wednesday when Strickland and rival Nassourdine Imavov clashed at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas following stalled negotiations for their potential rematch.
- The champion remains unbooked for a 2026 return as the promotion selected a different main event for their final card of the year, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
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"McGregor makes 30 million to fight" - Sean Strickland threatens to vacate title and fight Jake Paul over UFC pay dispute
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland escalated his war of words with the promotion by threatening to give up his title, move up a division, and fight Jake Paul once he was done with the deal.
Sean Strickland Threatens To Leave UFC To Fight Jake Paul Amid Contract Dispute, Paul Responds
Sean Strickland is not happy with the UFC. Over the weekend, the UFC announced the upcoming main event for UFC 335 in Vegas: Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes. Many believed Strickland would headline the card against Nassourdine Imavov, but for some reason his fight wasn’t announced. According to Strickland, he’s having contract issues with the […]
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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