Sean Strickland’s Pay Dispute Meets ‘It Is What It Is’ Response From Dana White

When Sean Strickland threatened to vacate his middleweight title and jump to boxing, he threw the UFC into a sudden public contract dispute. The middleweight champion even lobbied for a crossover boxing match against Zuffa cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, but Dana White quickly shut down the idea during a live stream appearance with influencer Nina Drama, stating it had "no chance" of happening.

White later addressed the champion's financial complaints after the final episode of Contender Series season 10. He dismissed Strickland's arguments about fighter pay and gave a direct reality check regarding the champion's current contract status.

Dana White Dismisses Sean Strickland’s Pay Claims, Points to May Contract

White learned about the champion's frustration entirely through social media, confirming he has not spoken to the middleweight titleholder directly. The issue stems from Sean Strickland comparing his recent earnings to the reported $30 million Conor McGregor made for his last appearance, prompting White to dispute the champion's financial figures.

Strickland has not scheduled a title defense since defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. He recently suggested vacating his 185-pound belt, completing his remaining contract bouts at light heavyweight, and moving to boxing to face Jake Paul. However, White made it clear the promotion has no plans to reopen financial talks for a fighter who just reset his terms.

"I haven't personally , I've just heard through social media and stuff," White said. "But when isn't Sean Strickland upset about something or doesn't have something to say?"

"Sean Strickland just signed a new contract in May," White added. "He just signed a new contract in May. He signed a new deal. Was that like, four months ago? Five months ago? He signed a new deal. And from what I hear, the number he's putting out there... It's not true. The number that he claimed he made is not true. It is what it is. If we were in a situation where he'd been under the same contract for a year, two years — he just signed a contract in May. He got a whole new deal in May. So, it is what it is."

Sean Strickland Vents About Pay Dispute on Social Media

Amid this drama, negotiations for a title rematch with Nassourdine Imavov stalled completely.  Strickland stated on social media that he asked for $1 million, while the UFC offered $400,000 to show and $400,000 to win. Imavov even offered $500,000 of his own purse to make the bout happen. The UFC has since pivoted, scheduling Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes for the BMF belt as the main event for UFC 335 on Dec. 12.

Strickland doubled down on his frustration on Oct. 7, posting on X that he is "kinda over it" unless the promotion changes its stance. He also doubled down on the standoff on Friday, penning that he "will not fight or sign any contract" until both sides figure out the situation.