Strickland says UFC fighters aren't paid enough to retire

Sean Strickland, the 35-year-old American who holds the UFC middleweight title in mixed martial arts (MMA), has said UFC fighters are not paid enough to retire when they choose. His remarks have revived debate over fighter pay at the world's leading MMA promotion.

Earlier this week Strickland criticised the UFC, saying his "heart isn't in MMA anymore" and citing injuries to his groin and shoulder. He described boxing as "significantly easier" with "more money" available, and called for a fight against Jake Paul.

In a later Instagram post, he argued that champions who lose are forced to keep fighting for money, which damages their legacies. In his words, the UFC builds a legacy but does not pay enough for fighters to walk away. Strickland says he wants to win a boxing title, but if the UFC refuses, he will fight on regardless.

The pay debate

Fighter pay has been questioned this year after boxer Conor Benn signed a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing. The boxing promotion is owned by UFC president Dana White, 57, so critics have asked why he does not pay similar sums to his MMA fighters.

White has said it is a good thing when people earn more and noted that fighter pay has risen continuously since 2001. He pointed to the UFC's new £5.7bn broadcast deal with Paramount and promised that pay would be "just fine" over the next seven years.

The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, compared with roughly 60% for boxers from their events. Fighters under UFC contract cannot compete for other major promotions, a clause Strickland has also criticised.

Strickland became a two-time UFC middleweight champion in May by beating Khamzat Chimaev. He is a polarising figure in MMA and has made homophobic and racist remarks, as well as derogatory comments about women.