Is the UFC middleweight champion actually considering an attempt to depart the promotion, or is it just Sean Strickland being Sean Strickland?
Only time will tell. But at least in the public arena, Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) is not happy, as proven by his decision to air compensation grievances in a series of X posts Wednesday.
"I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC Im kinda over it," Strickland wrote. "McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 second and they dont want to pay us a fraction of it. Contemplating just going to 205 knocking out my contract and scrapping with @jakepaul. That sounds fun."
Strickland said in another, "Its just hard McGregor 30 million Some lame boxer 15 million The thought of just giving up my belt
going to 205 and speed running my contract to fight Jake and make what these guys are making sounds pretty damn appealing."
I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC Im kinda over it.
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 7, 2026
McGregor makes 30 million to fight for 30 second and they dont want to pay us a fraction of it.
Contemplating just going to 205 knocking out my contract and scrapping with @jakepaul
That sounds fun.
Its just hard McGregor 30 million
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 7, 2026
Some lame boxer 15 million
The thought of just giving up my belt going to 205 and speed running my contract to fight Jake and make what these guys are making sounds pretty damn appealing
Strickland then heavily hinted at vacating his title and moving to light heavyweight, as he responded to several commenters on the initial posts.
"Its also just insulting how much McGregor and some lame boxer made," Strickland wrote. "... I can sit here and grind at middle weight and kill myself to make 185 or just move up enjoy it knock out my contract and get a bag fight Paul… sorry beating the breaks off Paul."
He told another commenter, "Yeah man I wouldnt even care to give up my belt and go to 205. Easier cut."
Strickland, 35, was expected to face top challenger Nassourdine Imavov next, though the promotion recently finalized its 2026 numbered card headliners with the announcement of Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 335 in December. The earliest Strickland vs. Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) could take place would then be January, though it sounds like nothing in the future is certain.
Strickland most recently competed at UFC 328 in May against Khamzat Chimaev and won by split decision. The victory marked the start of his second title reign. Imavov has won five fights in a row, most recently competing in September 2025 against Caio Borralho.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Strickland ponders vacating UFC title, departing promotion over pay dispute
