Sean Strickland Eyes Boxing Exit at 35 as UFC Pay Dispute Fuels Jake Paul Callout
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 9
Sean Strickland Eyes Boxing Exit at 35 as UFC Pay Dispute Fuels Jake Paul Callout
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 9
Summary
Sean Strickland said he may leave UFC for boxing after accusing the promotion of underpaying fighters and forcing champions to keep competing long after they should retire.
The 35-year-old said his body is "wrecked" after 21 years of training and argued stars cannot walk away on their own terms, contrasting their pay with Conor McGregor's reported $30 million purse.
Strickland, who won his second middleweight title in May, said he wants to "speed run" the rest of his UFC contract and would even coast through mandated fights to collect checks before moving on.
Boxing appears to be his priority regardless of opponent: he mentioned Jake Paul, floated fighting under Zuffa Boxing, and even suggested moving to 200 pounds to face cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
Jake Paul quickly responded on X, inviting Strickland to contact MVP "when you are free," signaling interest once the UFC contract no longer blocks a deal.