Demetrious Johnson Offers a Reality Check on Sean Strickland’s UFC Pay Complaints

After pulling off a big upset against Khamzat Chimaev and winning the title again, Sean Strickland was expected to defend his middleweight belt soon. However, he is now making headlines over fighter pay. ‘Tarzan’ has even said he could leave the UFC to take a boxing fight. Meanwhile, Demetrious Johnson isn't buying Strickland's complaints about UFC fighter pay, though he says he understands where the frustration comes from.

Demetrious Johnson Isn’t Fully Buying Sean Strickland’s UFC Pay Complaints

Johnson said he also wants more money, just like other fighters, but he does not see the point in complaining about it. He added that Strickland can feel however he wants about his career, and he understands that the champion is unhappy. However, DJ believes the contract matters. Strickland signed a deal with the UFC, and he still has five fights left on it.

In his words, “When is enough enough? Do I wish I made more money? 100%. But I'm not gonna sit here and gripe and moan about it. At the end of the day, it's Sean Strickland's journey. It's his career. If he's not happy with it, I have to respect that he's unhappy with it. It doesn't mean I have to agree with him. I'm a black and white type person, right? He signed a contract and he's got 5 fights left in his contract.”

Now he wants a payday on the scale of Conor McGregor's, around $30 million, and he's ready to walk away from the UFC for boxing if he doesn't get it. Dana White has shut down the idea of Strickland fighting Jai Opetaia. Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier would also rather see him stay in the UFC.

Michael Bisping Explains Why Sean Strickland Should Have Negotiated a Better UFC Contract

Bisping pointed out that Strickland signed a new five-fight deal with the UFC before fighting Chimaev. After beating Chimaev and winning the title, Strickland wanted a new contract. Bisping said he wants all fighters to make as much money as they can, but he believes Strickland should have added a clause to his deal that would give him more money if he became champion.

“So listen, I want all fighters to get paid as much as possible. But he should have had a clause in there that if he became the champ, the money goes to XYZ,” Bisping said.

Bisping said Strickland has a duty to defend his title and should not hold up the division. He likes the champ and believes his honest nature is good for the sport. However, Bisping thinks leaving the UFC to fight Jake Paul in boxing would be a bad move, as he does not believe Strickland would beat him.