Sean Strickland Signed a 6-Fight UFC Deal Before Facing Khamzat Chimaev in May

Sean Strickland reportedly signed a six-fight contract with the UFC prior to his May bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, leaving him with five fights remaining on the deal. Following his upset victory over Chimaev to claim the middleweight title, Strickland has entered a public dispute with the UFC regarding his fighter pay and contractual terms.

The ongoing financial disagreements have placed Strickland's planned first title defense against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335 in limbo. Amid the dispute, Strickland has voiced frustration over fighter compensation, publicly contemplated an exit from mixed martial arts, and teased potential moves into professional boxing or an appearance with Jake Paul's MVP promotion.