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Money problems? UFC champ Sean Strickland threatens to vacate title, go beat up Jake Paul – ‘I’m over it’

Sean Strickland is ready to trade UFC gold for Jake Paul money. The reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion has threatened to surrender his 185-pound title, move up to Light Heavyweight, and burn through the remaining fights on his…

Published: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 11:09 PM
Money problems? UFC champ Sean Strickland threatens to vacate title, go beat up Jake Paul – ‘I’m over it’
Key Things to Know
  • Sean Strickland threatened to vacate his UFC Middleweight belt and finish his contract to fight Jake Paul.
  • Strickland cited frustration with UFC fighter pay compared to high purses earned by boxers and Conor McGregor.
  • Failed purse negotiations previously derailed Strickland's planned UFC 335 title defense against Nassourdine Imavov.
The Story in 60 Seconds

UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland has threatened to vacate his championship, move to Light Heavyweight, and fulfill the remainder of his contract to pursue a boxing match against Jake Paul. Strickland expressed significant frustration over fighter pay on social media, comparing his compensation to the reported multimillion-dollar purses earned by Conor McGregor and professional boxers.

The champion's comments follow failed pay negotiations that prevented him from defending his title against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335. Strickland, who regained the belt by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May, indicated he would rather finish his contract quickly than endure difficult weight cuts to 185 pounds for lower payouts.

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