Sean Strickland rips UFC fighter pay as 'predatory' system

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland tore into the promotion's fighter pay structure, arguing that bonuses have flatlined while the organization relies on a pipeline of cheap replacements to keep fighters in line.

In a video clip posted to social media and reported by Sherdog, Strickland claimed performance bonuses remain stuck at the same levels they have been for years. "No one's getting paid more. What's the new bonus? $50k? $100k?" he said, suggesting the figures have not kept pace with inflation or the UFC's revenue growth.

How the UFC fills fights when top fighters decline

Strickland went further, alleging the promotion exploits its bargaining position by recruiting low-cost athletes from international markets when higher-ranked fighters turn down matchups. "You say no to a fight? They'll find some guy in some f*cking sandpit who'll do it for f*cking 5k and 5k," he said in the clip. "That's how it works."

The remarks echo long-running criticism from fighters and labor advocates who contend the UFC's monopoly on elite MMA talent allows it to suppress wages across the roster. Strickland wrapped his complaint by insisting fighters could earn more outside the cage, though he did not specify which alternative careers he had in mind.

Strickland lost the middleweight title to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 in January 2024 but remains one of the most vocal figures on the roster. No word yet on his next fight date or whether the UFC brass will respond to his latest broadside.

Source: sherdog.com