Former UFC champion Sean Strickland has heard the rumors and reports of a fight at UFC 302.
And he is not planning on accepting.
Strickland took to social media to respond to a potential fight vs. Paulo Costa at June event in Newark, New Jersey. The card does not have a current main event booked.
“Out of curiosity, what do you guys think I was offered to fight Costa on 7 weeks notice?” Strickland asked. “Base contract.”
Followers tossed out numbers such as $500,000, $200,000 with another $200,000 to win and more.
“Way less,” Strickland said of the high-end number. “Close but less” he replied to the other.
He added that “it’s cut throat in here. 99 percent of UFC fighters will never see a million their entire career.”
Strickland commented on the difference between the UFC and other professional organizations such as NFL and NBA.
“You don’t leave this sport happy or well,” he said. “The pay gap just keeps getting wider.”
Sean Strickland Not Planning A Return At UFC 302
For the 33-year-old from California, the return date just not seem to fit.
Strickland lost his title in his first defense this past January to Dricus du Plessis via split decision. The defeat snapped a three-fight win streak.
In September of last year, he topped Israel Adesanya to win his first UFC championship.
As for Costa, he is just 1-3 in his last four with losses to Robert Whittaker, Marvin Vettori and Adesanya. He fought for the title vs. Adesanya in 2020 after winning his first 13 pro bouts.
