Derek Brunson backs UFC in Sean Strickland pay row: 'Why would you sign a ten-fight contract?'

Brunson, who spent over a decade in the UFC, makes his BKFC debut in Myrtle Beach on 20 November.

Derek Brunson has sided with the UFC in its pay dispute with middleweight champion Sean Strickland, saying that, going by what Dana White has said, Strickland signed a ten-fight contract and is only two fights into it.

In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Brunson said: "Just from what Dana says and what he has said, he signed a ten-fight contract and he's on fight number two. I mean, why would you sign a ten-fight contract?"

He added: "You probably didn't think you were going to win, you probably were looking for stability and you actually won and now you want something different? I've got to kind of be on Dana's side on this one. I'm always for the fighters but maybe don't sign a ten-fight contract when it's offered because you've got a tough fight on the table. Bet on yourself."

Strickland, who reclaimed the middleweight title by beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May, aired grievances about his pay on social media earlier this month and at one point called for his release so he could box Jake Paul. His expected defence against Nassourdine Imavov was not booked for UFC 335, and the rematch is reportedly planned for February. Arman Tsarukyan made a similar argument in an interview with Ariel Helwani, saying Strickland should have been smarter before signing.

Brunson was granted his UFC release in 2023 after two losses. He signed with BKFC this month and faces Theo Doukas in Myrtle Beach on 20 November.

READ NEXTSean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov title rematch planned for February in Florida, says BohnRead the next story →

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