Sean Strickland Threatens to 'Nuke' UFC Deal for Jake Paul Fight

Sean Strickland says he is considering walking away from his UFC middleweight title and his UFC contract to chase a boxing match with Jake Paul, posting a series of messages on X venting about fighter pay and the physical toll of training for mixed martial arts.

Strickland had been floated as a possible headliner for UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, but that slot instead went to a BMF title fight between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes after money issues reportedly sidetracked the champion's booking. In the aftermath, Strickland pointed to the UFC paying Conor McGregor a reported $30 million against Conor Benn's $15 million purse for his Zuffa Boxing bout backed by Saudi money, framing it as proof he is undervalued fighting inside the Octagon.

"I gotta be honest unless things change with the UFC I'm kinda over it," Strickland wrote, adding that he has not decided whether he wants to "nuke" his contract but that "putting hands on Jake Paul sounds way better than the UFC right now." Paul responded publicly that he is interested in the fight.

Why Strickland Is Souring On MMA

Sean Strickland's frustration is not just about money, it is also about his body breaking down after 18 years of fighting across 39 professional bouts. He shared an image labeled "the last MMA camp" showing fluid being drained from his knee, and followed up by writing, "My heart just isn't in MMA anymore. Groin tear, AC joint separation. I just don't think my heart is in MMA anymore. Boxing there is more money and its significantly easier." Wrestling and grappling exact a different physical price than boxing, and Strickland has fought through recurring shoulder and knee issues in his last several appearances. That accumulated damage appears to be driving this as much as any single pay dispute.

Can Strickland Actually Get Out Of His UFC Contract

The math here is simple. Strickland is still the reigning UFC middleweight champion and still bound to a UFC contract, and promotions do not let titleholders walk to a rival combat sport without a fight of their own. The more realistic path, if there is one, is Strickland fighting out the remainder of his deal at 205 pounds before any boxing money fight becomes possible. The UFC could defuse the entire situation with a pay bump, but going public with the grievance may make the promotion less inclined to budge now that it looks like leverage being applied in the open.

Betting Angle

There is no fight booked here, so there is no line to price yet, but the saga matters for markets watching the UFC middleweight division. Strickland's title is currently frozen in limbo without a clear next defense, which complicates futures markets on who he fights next and whether a Khamzat Chimaev or other contender bout gets scheduled. If Strickland genuinely sits out or forces his way toward free agency, expect the division's interim or next-in-line betting conversation to shift quickly toward whoever the UFC fast-tracks in his absence. A Jake Paul crossover fight, if it ever materializes, would likely draw a lopsided betting number given Paul's résumé against a UFC-level wrestler and former champion, but that remains speculative until contracts and sanctioning bodies get involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Sean Strickland say about his UFC contract?

Sean Strickland posted on X that he is considering walking away from, or 'nuking,' his UFC contract, citing frustration over fighter pay and the physical toll of training for mixed martial arts.

Is Sean Strickland fighting Jake Paul?

No fight is booked. Sean Strickland floated the idea of fighting Jake Paul in boxing after finishing his UFC deal, and Jake Paul publicly said he was interested, but nothing has been contracted.

Why was Sean Strickland left off the UFC 335 card?

Sean Strickland was considered a candidate to headline UFC 335 on Dec. 12, but the UFC instead booked a BMF title fight between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes atop the card amid a pay dispute involving Strickland.