Strickland Says He Was Forced Into New UFC Deal
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland (31-7) says the UFC made signing a new six-fight contract a condition of receiving his title fight against Khamzat Chimaev on May 9.
The 35-year-old made the allegation after details emerged of a reported six-fight agreement, with Strickland reportedly earning more than $1 million for the Chimaev fight, whom he defeated by split decision at UFC 328 to become a two-time middleweight champion.
When speaking on why he agreed to the terms if he was unhappy with his pay, Strickland suggested the title opportunity had been conditional on signing.
“Sign this, or we won’t do this lol,” Strickland said. “They act like you have any power in this sport.”
His comments come amid an increasingly public pay dispute with the UFC, which has stalled negotiations for a title defense against No. 3-ranked middleweight Nassourdine Imavov (17-4, 1 NC).
The UFC has not publicly confirmed the financial terms or length of Strickland’s contract. If the Chimaev fight counted toward the reported six-fight agreement, he would still have five bouts remaining.
Strickland has threatened to vacate his title, move to light heavyweight to complete his UFC obligations, and pursue a boxing match against Jake Paul or a Zuffa Boxing opponent.
No date has been confirmed for his next title defense.