Strickland Claims UFC Forced Him Into New Contract

Sean Strickland says the UFC made signing a new six-fight contract a condition of getting his May 9 title fight with Khamzat Chimaev. Strickland won that fight by split decision at UFC 328 to become a two-time middleweight champion.

The 35-year-old made the claim after details emerged of a reported six-fight deal that paid him more than $1 million for the Chimaev fight. Asked why he signed if he was unhappy with the pay, he suggested the title shot depended on it: “Sign this, or we won’t do this lol. They act like you have any power in this sport,” Strickland.

The UFC hasn’t confirmed the terms or length of the contract. If the Chimaev fight counts toward the six, Strickland would have five bouts left.

He has threatened to vacate his title, move to light heavyweight to finish out his UFC obligations, and pursue a boxing match against Jake Paul or a Zuffa Boxing opponent.