Dana White fires back at Sean Strickland over UFC pay, cites new deal

Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White has responded to Sean Strickland's recent grievances about fighter pay. Speaking at the conclusion of Dana White's Contender Series Season 10, White addressed Strickland's comments as part of ongoing negotiations for his next title defense. Strickland has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the purse he is expected to earn for a middleweight title rematch against Nassourdine Imavov.

He has even contemplated vacating the belt, transitioning to the light heavyweight division, and potentially fighting a boxing match against Jake Paul. When questioned about Strickland's public complaints, White dismissed them as typical. "I haven't personally spoken to Sean Strickland; I've only heard about it through social media," White stated.

"But what's new with Sean Strickland? Isn't he always complaining about something?" Strickland has previously compared his earnings to Conor McGregor's $30 million paycheck from his most recent fight. White countered Strickland's claims, asserting that the two-time champion had signed a new contract in May, just four to five months prior.

"Sean Strickland just signed a new contract in May," White emphasized. "He signed a new deal. That's what I hear. The figure he's stating is inaccurate. It is what it is. If he had been on the same contract for a year or two years, he'd just signed a new deal in May. He got a whole new contract in May. So, it is what it is."