Sean Strickland has taken aim at the UFC’s compensation model, arguing that some fighters could “make more at Walmart” than under current contracts.
The outspoken middleweight, who is preparing to face Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston, spoke candidly about what he views as major flaws in the promotion’s pay structure.
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Strickland compared fighter earnings to those in other professional sports and suggested the gap is significant. His remarks have reignited discussion around how UFC athletes are compensated.
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Strickland calls UFC system ‘predatory’
Sean Strickland told Complex that the UFC’s pay scale does not align with the revenue the organization generates, especially when measured against other major sports leagues.
He argued that fighters are not seeing a fair share relative to the risks they take. Strickland also questioned the leverage fighters have when negotiating bouts, suggesting that declining a fight can quickly lead to replacement.
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“No f—— bonuses. No one’s getting f—— paid more… As far as the pay scale compared to any other sporting event [is concerned], the UFC is the most f—– up.”
“If you compare it to pay vs. athletes vs. what they’re making, there is no argument there. It’s not fair. It’s predatory… I would just like it to match other sporting events.”
“You say no to a fight, well, guess what? They’re going to find some f—— guy in some f—— sandpit who’ll do it for 5k/5k.”
“You’re slowly going to see the American roster die because they’ll outsource people… You’ll make more money at f—— Walmart, dude.”
Compensation debate continues ahead of Houston card
Fighter pay has long been a contentious topic within mixed martial arts, with veterans and current competitors offering differing perspectives on the structure.
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Strickland’s comments arrive as the UFC continues to secure major broadcast agreements and expand its global reach.
Although he acknowledged that athletes willingly enter the sport, Strickland emphasized that the system should better reflect the demands and dangers of competing at the highest level.
As he prepares to headline in Houston, Strickland has once again shifted part of the spotlight toward the financial realities facing UFC fighters.
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