Sean Strickland’s mouth has gone unchecked under UFC’s free speech protocol, but the promotion may want to rethink its stance after Strickland’s recent comments about fighter pay.
Strickland, who hasn’t competed since a decision loss to Dricus du Plessis just over one year ago, is back from suspension and gearing up for his main event clash with Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston (details HERE). It’s a big opportunity for Strickland as he tries to lock down another UFC title shot, but he’s squandered some of the extra exposure by opening his mouth just a little too much.
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One quick way for Strickland to regain some support among fans and peers is by talking out about fighter pay. UFC fighters are getting compensated a little more under the new Paramount+ deal, but there’s still significant room for improvement when compared to what other professional sports athletes are making. Strickland doesn’t believe that anyone is getting paid more right now and that some fighters could “make more money at f—-king Walmart.”
“If you compare it to any other sport, the UFC is the most f—ked up,” Strickland recently told Complex. “It’s not fair. It’s predatory.”
“No one’s getting paid more,” Strickland later added. “What’s the new bonus? 50? 100?”
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“You say no to a fight? They’ll find some guy in some f—-king sandpit who’ll do it for f—-king 5k and 5k. That’s how it works.”
“You’ll make more money at f—-king Walmart, dude.”
Strickland, who has been a member of the UFC roster since 2014, made over $1 million for his last fight at UFC 312. The former UFC middleweight champion won’t make that much this weekend in Houston, but it’ll still be much more than what some of the lower level fighters bring in.
For more UFC Houston fight card news click HERE.
