Joe Rogan calls Sean Strickland a fan favourite amid UFC pay dispute

The UFC middleweight champion has not fought since taking the title from Khamzat Chimaev in March, and has said he plans to see out his contract so he can box Jake Paul.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 21:09 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Joe Rogan has spoken publicly about Sean Strickland's pay dispute with the UFC for the first time, though he said little about the dispute itself. Speaking on a podcast episode with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, Rogan said: “He’s going through something with the UFC right now, where like, he said his heart isn’t in MMA anymore and he wants to get out so he can box Jake Paul.” Strickland, 35, has been in talks over a fight with Nassourdine Imavov since winning the 185lb title from Chimaev. Those negotiations seemingly broke down recently because of a gap between what the UFC offered and what Strickland expects to be paid. Since then he has hinted at a move to boxing.

UFC boss Dana White dismissed Strickland's complaints earlier this month, saying the champion signed a new long-term deal in March before the Chimaev fight. Strickland says he was strong-armed into signing it.

Rogan suggested Strickland's value lies in his ability to promote a fight. He said: “At the end of the day, he’s a fan favorite and that’s a big factor.” He added: “If you’re trying to sell a fight, and the UFC needs to sell fights, and you’ve got a world champion like Khamzat and you need someone to fight him, who better to sell the damn fight than Sean Strickland.” Rogan also said Strickland knows how to stir up the pot.

Strickland was in Canada recently for an appearance at UFC Edmonton, but he did not have any meeting with the UFC while he was there. His next step remains unclear.

In this story

Sean Strickland Khamzat Chimaev Robert Whittaker Nassourdine Imavov