Paulo Costa Reaches Out to Sean Strickland Over UFC Pay Dispute
Strickland, I have a solution for us,
Paulo Costa posted on X as public complaints mount regarding UFC fighter compensation. Paulo Costa has reached out to middleweight champion Sean Strickland amid ongoing public disputes with the UFC over pay, writing on social media that he sent a direct message to his former opponent with a proposed solution.
Fans recently noticed the absence of Strickland’s rumored first title defense against Nassourdine Imavov from the UFC 335 lineup this December. Strickland put the delay down to insufficient pay, demanding $1 million while the promotion reportedly offered him $400,000 to show and a $400,000 win bonus. Beyond the financial disagreement, Strickland cited recent injuries and tough MMA training camps that have caused him to fall out of love with the sport. He hinted he is kinda over
fighting in the UFC due to compensation and is strongly considering vacating the middleweight title, moving up to light heavyweight to finish his contract, or pursuing a boxing match against Jake Paul.
Paulo Costa Criticizes UFC Pay Structure
Costa, whom Strickland defeated via split-decision at UFC 302, has likewise voiced heavy criticism of the UFC pay structure and management. The Brazilian fighter previously announced his arrival in the light heavyweight division with a knockout of Azamat Murzakanov, but has since publicly criticized Hunter Campbell and Dana White. Costa stated he requested his release after the promotion repeatedly offered him five-round fights without additional pay, accusing the promotion of ignoring contract terms set for three-round fights. Although Costa is willing to accept five-round fights if he receives a pay bump, negotiations stalled when the UFC refused to budge. Costa has just one fight left on his contract, is eager to test free agency, and previously showed interest in a heavyweight fight with Sergei Pavlovic before Pavlovic was scheduled to face Alex Pereira at UFC 335. He is currently on a two-fight win streak at light heavyweight and was challenged by former 205-pound champion Magomed Ankalaev, though there has been no movement on that front.
Costa Messages Strickland Regarding Potential Rematch
In his social media outreach to the middleweight champion, Costa wrote, I sent u a message. Inbox.
It remains unclear what Costa has in mind, and whether Strickland will respond or entertain the proposal, though observers note it is likely a light heavyweight rematch of their past encounter. Neither fighter appears ready to back down from their public criticism of the UFC’s compensation format.