Brief
Sean Strickland says he may quit UFC for Jake Paul bout
Strickland hints at moving to 205 lb to face boxing star Jake Paul after expressing frustration with UFC pay.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland posted on X on Oct. 8, saying he is "over" his current UFC deal and is considering a move to 205 lb to fight Jake Paul. He compared his potential earnings to Conor McGregor’s $30 million for a 30‑second bout, noting the UFC does not pay fighters a comparable share.
Strickland added that dropping his belt and “speed‑running” his contract to face Paul sounds "pretty damn appealing." Jake Paul responded on social media, telling Strickland to contact his Most Valuable Promotions to arrange a fight.
Strickland recently defeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 and is slated to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov, with negotiations for that bout still ongoing. Paul, a 12‑2 boxer who lost to Anthony Joshua in Dec. 2025, has previously signed former UFC fighters like Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz.
Key facts
- Sean Strickland posted on X that he may leave the UFC to fight Jake Paul. (bleacherreport.com)
- Strickland compared UFC pay to Conor McGregor's $30 million earnings. (bleacherreport.com)
- Jake Paul replied, asking Strickland to contact his Most Valuable Promotions. (bleacherreport.com)
- Strickland is the two‑time middleweight champion after beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. (bleacherreport.com)
- Paul holds a 12‑2 boxing record and lost to Anthony Joshua in Dec. 2025. (bleacherreport.com)
Sources
- [1] bleacherreport.com — originally reported as “Sean Strickland Eyes Jake Paul Fight amid UFC Contract Concerns, Boxing Star Responds”
