Sean Strickland eyes boxing move: ‘I love MMA but I want to box’

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has expressed interest in transitioning to professional boxing, despite his continued success in mixed martial arts. The two-time title holder took to social media to announce his boxing aspirations, stating "I love MMA but I want to box" and indicating a preference for the move to occur under the Zuffa banner, the parent company of the UFC.

Strickland, known for his striking-heavy approach inside the Octagon, recently reclaimed the 185-pound championship in May with a dominant performance against Khamzat Chimaev. The American fighter is expected to defend his title next against Nassourdine Imavov in a rematch.

Strickland's desire to test himself in boxing represents an interesting crossroads for the fighter. While still active as a UFC champion, exploring opportunities in the squared circle has become an increasingly common path for elite strikers in combat sports. Should the UFC and Zuffa facilitate the move, it would add Strickland to a small but notable list of MMA champions who have pursued simultaneous or transitional boxing careers. For now, the focus remains on his upcoming middleweight title defense.