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Sean Strickland Slams UFC Pay as Predatory, Warns Talent Exodus

2/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sean Strickland criticized the UFC's fighter pay as predatory ahead of his UFC Houston bout with Anthony Hernandez.
In a Complex interview, he dismissed the recent rise in fight-night bonuses and called overall compensation unfair.
Strickland said UFC fighters earn only 13% to 20% of revenue, unlike the NFL's larger player share.
He warned that continued pay inequity could drive American MMA talent away, as fighters refuse fights over money.

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Story summary

Sean Strickland criticized the UFC's fighter pay as predatory ahead of his UFC Houston bout with Anthony Hernandez.
In a Complex interview, he dismissed the recent rise in fight-night bonuses and called overall compensation unfair.
Strickland said UFC fighters earn only 13% to 20% of revenue, unlike the NFL's larger player share.
He warned that continued pay inequity could drive American MMA talent away, as fighters refuse fights over money.