Strickland weighs UFC exit and boxing match with Jake Paul

Sean Strickland says he is considering completing his UFC contract before pursuing a boxing match with Jake Paul, as he publicly criticizes his pay and the physical demands of mixed martial arts. The UFC middleweight champion has not announced a decision to leave, and no boxing bout has been agreed upon. Strickland aired his complaints in social-media posts and a video this week, comparing his compensation with Conor McGregor’s reported earnings. He said he was contemplating moving from middleweight to light heavyweight, finishing his UFC obligations and then boxing Paul. He has also said injuries, including a groin tear and an AC-joint separation, and the demands of MMA training have reduced his interest in the sport. Paul responded online by asking whether Strickland was out of contract and inviting his promoter to contact Most Valuable Promotions. Strickland thanked him for considering a fight but said he had not decided whether to end his contract. Their exchange did not establish a deal, date or other arrangement for a bout. The discussion comes as a potential middleweight title defense against Nassourdine Imavov remains unsigned.