Sean Strickland goes off on UFC’s ‘predatory’ pay scale: ‘You’ll make more money at f*cking Walmart’
MMA Fighting
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sean Strickland has criticized the UFC's pay scale, calling it "predatory" and questioning why fighters aren't receiving a larger share of the organization's revenue despite its $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+. While the UFC has increased post-fight bonuses to $100,000 and added $25,000 for each finish, Strickland argues that these amounts are still insufficient compared to other sports like the NFL, where athletes receive a much larger portion of revenue. He highlights the disparity between fighters' earnings and the company's profits, suggesting that fighters are underpaid and exploited.
Strickland, a former UFC middleweight champion with eight main-event appearances in his last 10 fights, including title bouts against Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis, points out that fighters often face financial struggles. He mentions that many cannot afford to live on their earnings, which are further reduced by managers' fees and taxes. Strickland emphasizes that fighters are essentially "taking our clothes off and getting hit in the head" for minimal pay, with some earning as little as $10,000 per fight, a figure he compares unfavorably to working at Walmart.
The issue of underpayment is not isolated; other top UFC fighters like Justin Gaethje have also spoken out about receiving no pay raises. Dana White, the UFC's president, claims that fighters are offered more money but often don't respond to deals. Strickland believes fear of repercussions keeps some fighters silent, though he insists the problem is well-known within the industry.
Strickland’s criticism highlights broader concerns about the UFC’s business model and its treatment of athletes. He argues that the sport’s pay structure discourages American talent from pursuing fights frequently, as they cannot sustain a decent living on the earnings alone. With fighters from other countries often earning more, Strickland questions why anyone would want to compete in the UFC under such conditions. His comments underscore the need for fairer compensation and better transparency in athlete payments, which are crucial for maintaining talent and integrity in the sport.
This debate matters to sports fans and athletes alike, as it raises questions about fairness, corporate responsibility, and the value placed on athletic performance. Strickland’s critique challenges the UFC to rethink its revenue distribution, potentially leading to a more equitable system that reflects the true value of fighters' contributions to the organization's success.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/21/2026