Sean Strickland considers vacating UFC title due to pay issues
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 10:07 PM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Sean Strickland expressed frustration over UFC pay in posts on X, suggesting he may vacate his title. He described feeling 'over it' given the pay disparity with fighters like Conor McGregor. Strickland hinted at moving up to light heavyweight and pursuing a fight with Jake Paul. Despite these considerations, he was expected to face Nassourdine Imavov next, although future plans remain uncertain after UFC's recent event announcements. Strickland holds a 31-7 MMA record and won his title back in May against Khamzat Chimaev.
- •Strickland indicated he may vacate his title over pay disputes.
- •He mentioned moving to light heavyweight for a fight with Jake Paul.
- •Strickland was expected to face Nassourdine Imavov next.
- •His last fight ended in a split decision victory over Chimaev.
- •Strickland has a professional record of 31-7.
- 11:09 PMYahoo Sports — Money problems? UFC champ Sean Strickland threatens to vacate title, go beat up Jake Paul – ‘I’m over it’
- 10:07 PMYahoo Sports — Sean Strickland ponders vacating UFC title, departing promotion over pay dispute
"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 contract after becoming increasingly frustrated with his pay. “I gotta be honest: unless things change […]
"Sean Strickland spoke out against UFC pay in a series of tweets Wednesday indicating he's considering vacating his title to expedite his contract.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 11:09 PMMoney 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 contract after becoming increasingly frustrated with his pay. “I gotta be honest: unless things change […]
- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 10:07 PMSean Strickland ponders vacating UFC title, departing promotion over pay dispute
Sean Strickland spoke out against UFC pay in a series of tweets Wednesday indicating he's considering vacating his title to expedite his contract.
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