UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says fighters are not paid enough money to retire from the sport on their own terms. The 35-year-old criticised the promotion earlier this week, saying his "heart isn't in MMA anymore" after injuries to his groin and shoulder. He added that he would prefer a move to boxing, which he described as "significantly easier" with more money to be made, and called for a fight with Jake Paul.
In an Instagram post, Strickland said fighters are ruining their legacies by fighting on for money instead of walking away. He pointed to champions who lose, return and fight several more times before being "flatlined". "They don't pay you enough money to walk away," he said. "The UFC builds a legacy and they don't pay you enough. So you have to come back and ruin your legacy. I don't want to do that."
Fighter pay has come under scrutiny this year after boxer Conor Benn signed a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, which is owned by UFC president Dana White. Critics questioned why White does not pay similar amounts to his MMA fighters. White said it is "a good thing" when people make more money and pointed to fighter pay rising since 2001. He also referenced the UFC's new £5.7bn broadcast deal with Paramount, adding: "I promise you fighter pay is going to be just fine over the next seven years."
The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, compared with the roughly 60% boxers receive from their events. Fighters under UFC contract cannot compete for other major promotions, a clause Strickland has criticised. He said he wants to win a boxing title and that he would keep fighting if forced, adding: "I'm going to stick and move, and you guys will boo and I'll boo while doing it."
Strickland is a polarising figure in MMA and has made homophobic and racist remarks as well as derogatory comments about women. He became a two-time UFC middleweight champion by beating Khamzat Chimaev in May.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing