Sean Strickland criticizes UFC fighter pay structure as predatory
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 6:33 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026

UFC champion Sean Strickland has voiced strong criticisms against the fighter pay structure in the organization. He describes UFC's compensation model as predatory and significantly lower than that of major sports leagues like the NFL and NBA. Strickland states that the UFC only pays about 18.6% of its revenue to fighters, while equivalent leagues pay close to 50%. Although he anticipates no change in this structure, Strickland expresses concern that low pay contributes to the declining number of American fighters in the UFC, as many struggle to make a living. He argues that this disparity leads fighters to accept less pay, perpetuating the problem.
- •Sean Strickland criticizes UFC for low fighter pay.
- •UFC reportedly pays only 18.6% of revenue to fighters.
- •Strickland predicts no change in pay structure.
- •He links low pay to decline of American fighters.
- •Strickland believes pay comparisons show UFC is unjust.
- 6:33 PMYahoo Sports — Current UFC champion goes off on ‘predatory’ UFC fighter pay
"While Sean Strickland isn’t satisfied with Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter pay, he doesn’t think it will change anytime soon.
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