Sean Strickland has revealed how the UFC forced him to sign a new six-fight deal in a stunning and revealing outburst.
Strickland hasn’t fought since his shock UFC middleweight championship victory over Khamzat Chimaev in April.
He outpointed the previously undefeated Chimaev to reclaim the UFC middleweight title in a spectacular display at UFC 328.
Strickland was seemingly in line to defend his UFC belt against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335 on December 12 until the promotion announced a BMF title bout between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes.
The 35-year-old has since threatened to quit MMA in pursuit of a big-money showdown against Jake Paul, who swiftly replied to the UFC star’s offer.
Sean Strickland Says He Won’t Fight in the UFC
Ahead of facing Chimaev, Strickland penned a new six-fight deal with the MMA leaders, according to Mike Bohn. Despite signing a contract extension, he claims he won’t fight inside the famed Octagon as he shared a series of explosive posts on X.
Referencing Conor McGregor and Conor Benn, who landed a reported £15 million deal upon signing with Zuffa Boxing, he wrote: “Its just hard. McGregor 30 million. Some lame boxer 15 million. The thought of just giving up my belt going to 205 and speed running my contract to fight Jake and make what these guys are making sounds pretty damn appealing.”
A second post read: “It is funny when they say but your contract says….. I think being the new unfiltered face of Paramount sounds kinda entertaining. I guess that could be my consolation prize? Any request?”
Strickland ended his social media tirade by hoping his situation with the UFC gets figured out ‘soon’.
He said: “I will not fight or sign any contract until I get this figured out. Hopefully we get it figured out soon. Thanks for all your support it helps!”
Sean Strickland Reveals How UFC Forced Him to Sign Six-Fight Deal
After taking to social media to express his feelings about the UFC, fans online asked him why he signed a new six-fight deal prior to his bout against Chimaev.
Strickland claims the UFC forced him to sign the six-fight contract to get the title fight against Chimaev, implying that he wouldn’t have got his latest shot at UFC gold if he had attempted to negotiate prior to UFC 328.
Replying to a fan on X, he said: “The UFC doesn’t work like that…,” before responding to another, saying: “Sign this or we won’t do this lol they act like you have any power in the sport.”
It remains to be seen how Strickland’s contract situation unfolds, but the UFC hold all the cards in negotiations.
About Author
