Strickland weighs UFC contract exit and Jake Paul boxing bout

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland said he is considering finishing his contract at light heavyweight and pursuing a boxing match with Jake Paul, criticizing what he described as inadequate pay from the promotion. Paul responded by asking whether Strickland was out of contract and inviting his promoter to contact Most Valuable Promotions, but no fight has been confirmed. Strickland made the comments in posts on X on October 7, saying he was dissatisfied with his UFC compensation compared with Conor McGregor’s reported $30 million purse. He said he was contemplating moving from the 185-pound middleweight division to 205-pound light heavyweight, completing his UFC contract and boxing Paul. His remarks described possibilities, not a decision to leave the UFC or relinquish his title. Paul replied that he had seen Strickland’s messages and asked whether he was out of contract, directing him to have his promoter contact Most Valuable Promotions. Strickland thanked Paul for considering a bout and said he had not decided whether to end his contract, while indicating that fighting Paul appealed to him. Their exchange did not establish an agreement, date or confirmed bout.