Sean Strickland considers leaving UFC, rages over Conor McGregor pay gap

Sean Strickland, the UFC's two-time middleweight champion, is expressing serious frustration over fighter compensation and hinting he may leave the promotion. After capturing his second title in May at UFC 328 with a split-decision upset over previously unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev, Strickland has yet to schedule a title defence. While injuries have contributed to his absence, the reigning champion has also cited pay disputes as a factor in his reluctance to fight.

On Wednesday, Strickland took to social media to vent about the vast pay disparity between himself and other athletes. He specifically criticized Conor McGregor, questioning why the Irish fighter earns approximately $30 million for minimal activity while top contenders struggle to secure comparable compensation. Strickland also pointed to Zuffa Boxing's recent signing of Conor Benn for a reported $15 million, noting that boxers and inactive fighters are earning substantially more than active UFC champions.

"I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC I'm kind over it," Strickland wrote, later threatening to vacate his belt, move up to light heavyweight, and expedite his contract buyout by facing Jake Paul instead. He indicated that fighting the YouTube personality and earning the financial rewards similar figures command "sounds pretty damn appealing" compared to his current situation.

Strickland's public complaints mark a notable shift for a fighter who has long been viewed as a company loyalist, known for his activity and willingness to take difficult matchups. He has previously criticized the UFC's pay structure as "predatory," though his latest outburst appeared to peak before he attributed his frustration to the ongoing compensation issues. The exact number of fights remaining on his contract remains unclear.