TLDR
- UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says his heart isn’t in MMA anymore after 21 years of training
- Strickland criticizes UFC fighter pay, pointing to Conor McGregor’s $30 million payday and boxer Conor Benn’s $15 million deal
- The 35-year-old champion says injuries to his groin and shoulder have affected his motivation to continue fighting
- Strickland may give up his title and move to light heavyweight to finish his UFC contract before pursuing boxing
- He says UFC fighters aren’t paid enough to retire on their own terms without ruining their legacies
Sources: yardbarker.com | thenationalnews.com | bbc.com
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says he is considering leaving mixed martial arts due to low pay and injuries sustained over his 21-year career.
The 35-year-old fighter posted on social media this week that his “heart isn’t in MMA anymore” and that he may give up his title to pursue boxing.
“I think I’m just over MMA. My body is wrecked from 21 years of training,” Strickland wrote on Instagram. “Boxing is just easier and way more fun.”
🚨 Sean Strickland just released a video saying he's done with the UFC and wants to transition to boxing 😳
"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,… pic.twitter.com/Bztw49nCIp
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 8, 2026
Strickland regained the middleweight championship in May with a split-decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. He has not yet scheduled his first title defense.
Pay Comparisons Fuel Frustration
The champion’s main complaint centers on fighter compensation. He pointed to Conor McGregor’s reported $30 million payday for his July comeback fight against Max Holloway, which lasted only 69 seconds after McGregor suffered a knee injury.
“McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 seconds and they don’t want to pay us a fraction of it,” Strickland wrote on X.
He also referenced boxer Conor Benn’s reported $15 million one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, which is owned by UFC president Dana White. Benn lost to Ryan Garcia in September in a second-round stoppage.
“The thought of just giving up my belt going to 205 [light heavyweight] and speed running my contract to fight Jake and make what these guys are making sounds pretty damn appealing,” Strickland wrote.
Jake Paul responded on social media, inviting Strickland to contact his company, Most Valuable Promotions, once he becomes a free agent.
Legacy Concerns for Aging Fighters
In a follow-up Instagram post, Strickland said UFC fighters aren’t paid enough money to retire from the sport on their own terms.
“I’m going to say the quiet part out loud that nobody says. You watch these champions, they run the division and they take [a loss], and then they come back and they fight three or four times and get flatlined,” Strickland said.
“They don’t pay you enough money to walk away. The UFC builds a legacy and they don’t pay you enough. So you have to come back and ruin your legacy. I don’t want to do that.”
The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, compared with boxers who typically receive about 60% of revenue from their events. Fighters can’t compete under other major promotions while under contract with the UFC.
When asked about fighter pay criticisms earlier this year, White said “it’s a good thing” when people make more money. He pointed to the UFC’s new $5.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount.
“I promise you fighter pay is going to be just fine over the next seven years,” White said.
Strickland has a professional record of 31 wins and seven losses. He said he wants to box and win a boxing title, but if the UFC refuses to let him compete in boxing while under contract, he plans to “stick and move” to collect paychecks.
It remains unclear how many fights are left on Strickland’s current UFC contract. A potential matchup with Nassourdine Imavov had been discussed for later this year, but Strickland reportedly turned it down over compensation issues.
