Sean Strickland, the 35-year-old middleweight champion, has voiced strong concerns regarding fighter pay in the UFC, asserting that it is insufficient for athletes to retire on their own terms. This criticism follows his recent struggles with injuries to his groin and shoulder, leading him to express doubts about his future in mixed martial arts.

Strickland indicated a desire to transition to boxing, describing it as "significantly easier" with "more money" available. He also called out Jake Paul for a potential fight, emphasizing that many fighters compromise their legacies by continuing to compete for financial reasons.

In his own words, Strickland stated:

"I'm going to say the quiet part out loud that nobody says... They just don't care anymore. They don't pay you enough money to walk away. 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."

The issue of fighter compensation has gained traction this year, particularly after boxer Conor Benn secured a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, owned by Dana White. Critics are questioning why White does not offer similar pay to UFC fighters. In response, White claimed that rising fighter pay has been a constant since 2001, highlighting a new £5.7bn broadcast deal with Paramount.

Strickland further criticized the UFC's contractual clauses that prevent fighters from competing with other major promotions, stating:

"I want to box. I want to go win a boxing title. So we're trying to work that out."

Strickland, who became a two-time UFC middleweight champion by defeating Khamzat Chimaev in May, remains a polarizing figure in MMA, known for his controversial remarks.