Sean Strickland Condemns UFC’s ‘Predatory’ Fighter Compensation
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has criticized the organization’s compensation model, describing it as “predatory.” His remarks come ahead of his main event fight against Anthony Hernandez on February 22, 2026, in Houston.
Strickland’s Comments on Fighter Compensation
In a recent interview with Complex, Strickland expressed his concerns about the UFC’s payment structure. He labeled the organization’s athlete compensation as among the worst when compared to other sports.
Strickland pointed out that while the UFC has increased fight night bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000, this does little to address the larger issue of overall fighter pay.
Compensation Disparities
“The UFC is the most skewed in terms of athlete pay versus what they are making,” Strickland stated. He emphasized the need for compensation to be more equitable, similar to other sporting leagues. For instance, he suggested that if the NFL allocates 70% of its profits to players, the UFC should adopt a similar model.
Absence of Collective Bargaining
One critical factor in the ongoing debate is the lack of a collective bargaining agreement within the UFC. Fighters negotiate their contracts individually, which complicates efforts to secure fair compensation.
An antitrust lawsuit settled in 2025 revealed that the UFC has historically limited fighter payouts to a mere 13% to 20% of revenue. This has raised concerns about the sustainability of talent retention in the organization.
The Future of American MMA Talent
Strickland warned that the current compensation framework could ultimately lead to a decline in the number of American fighters in mixed martial arts. He believes that if fighters refuse to compete due to inadequate pay, the UFC will easily find replacements willing to fight for less.
- Sean Strickland’s main event fight: February 22, 2026
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Fight night bonuses increased to $100,000
- Historical compensation range: 13% to 20% of UFC revenue
In conclusion, Strickland’s call for reform highlights ongoing issues within the UFC regarding fighter compensation and the potential future implications for American mixed martial arts talent.
