New developments have emerged in the ongoing Sean Strickland-UFC pay dispute. The middleweight champion’s 1st title defence was reportedly scheduled for UFC 335 against Nassourdine Imavov, the last numbered occasion of the 12 months. But the negotiations are in limbo, at least for now, because Strickland and the UFC could not agree on the financial phrases.
Lately, the middleweight kingpin has been very vocal about not being comfortable with the pay he’s getting for this next title battle and has even clearly said that he would vacate the belt, end his contract with the UFC, and go box Jake Paul to get the huge payday he deserves.
There was a hearsay circulating on X that Strickland was being provided $400k to show and $400k to win for his next bout, and now for his upcoming title battle, he’s asking for a million bucks. But now we know that those numbers are incorrect, thanks to MMA Junkie reporter Mike Bohn.
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Sean Strickland Earned Over A Million Dollars Fighting Khamzat Chimaev
In a video on his YouTube channel, Mike Bohn revealed that Sean Strickland had signed a model new 6-fight deal with the UFC proper before combating Khamzat at UFC 328. Additionally, he earned more than $1,000,000 for that battle alone.
There are many speculations on the web about why Sean would ask for more money after lately signing a new deal. Brendan Schaub, a former UFC fighter, had his own evaluation regarding this state of affairs; he said, “Remember, Sean Strickland has already beat Imavov. It’s not a sexy fight. It’s not a big fight. UFC wants him to fight Imavov, they’re offering him (expletive) pay, so he’s like, ‘I’ll fight this guy, I’ve already beat him, but I’m not getting paid like I should.'”
Strickland has been fairly articulately expressing his plans for the future. The concept of incomes huge money while boxing instead of incomes less while competing in MMA is very interesting for the American proper now.
When requested on X why he signed the contract if the phrases weren’t proper, the reigning champion said that the UFC enjoys undisputed energy over fighters and their contracts.
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What’s The Best Path For Sean Strickland?
Sean Strickland is one of the UFC’s largest stars, but his unfiltered persona and unpredictable habits inside and outside the Octagon also make him a probably dangerous asset for the promotion.
The 35-year-old has further cemented his legacy by defeating beforehand undefeated Khamzat Chimaev to seize UFC gold for the second time. After 38 skilled fights, a number of title wins, and several severe accidents, Strickland has every purpose to demand the money he believes he deserves. If the UFC can’t meet his financial expectations, his reluctance to proceed combating in MMA would be comprehensible.
Strickland could also discover boxing, probably dealing with Jake Paul in a matchup that would possible be less demanding than taking on elite UFC contenders such as Chimaev, Nassourdine Imavov, or Dricus Du Plessis. More importantly, a boxing match against the YouTuber-turned-boxer could reportedly offer him three to 4 occasions the payday he might obtain for a UFC battle.
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While Strickland’s next opponent and return date stay unsure, one factor is clear: he can’t merely stroll away from his UFC contract to pursue a boxing match. He would need to fulfill his contractual obligations or secure the promotion’s approval, probably through a particular association related to the one Conor McGregor acquired to face Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
More MMA News:
Sean Strickland Calls for Jake Paul Fight as Boxing Star Responds
Ian Garry Claims Michael Morales Fight Date Is Booked by the UFC
UFC 335 Fight Card Takes Shape With Charles Oliveira, Alex Pereira and Diego Lopes
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