A heated dispute between UFC middleweight Sean Strickland and business figure Derek “Moneyberg” has escalated into public accusations and legal threats, with both men offering starkly different accounts of their recent encounter.
According to a detailed account from Moneyberg, what began as an attempt at civil discourse quickly revealed what he characterizes as Strickland’s unwillingness to engage directly. Moneyberg claims he approached Strickland at a gym with an invitation for a brief conversation, explaining that he would be traveling the next day and hoped to resolve their differences face-to-face.
“We can talk at the gym tomorrow, so I won’t be here tomorrow, I’m going to fly tomorrow,” Moneyberg recounted of his initial approach. “But I would appreciate it if you took a minute to come talk to me.”
The businessman described stepping away for what he intended to be a 90-second conversation, even offering to train together that evening. However, according to Moneyberg’s version of events, the interaction took an uncomfortable turn when they moved to a different location.
“We headed down and look, you don’t want to make eye contact,” he recalled telling Strickland. “So I said, Sean, I don’t think you even believe what you’re saying.”
Moneyberg then claims he challenged Strickland to a public grappling match, expressing confidence in his own abilities. “I said, you can’t submit me, you’re not going to submit me in a grappling match,” he stated.
The situation allegedly shifted dramatically when they approached what Moneyberg described as a console area. “He takes out his phone when we’re near the console. He completely changes his personality and now he’s a tough guy on camera. He’s not a tough guy, he’s just a bully,” Moneyberg asserted.
Strickland’s response painted an entirely different picture of their relationship and the ongoing controversy. The UFC veteran suggested that Moneyberg’s credibility had already been compromised through previous business dealings with other athletes.
“Well I’ll tell you what, buddy…. when you sue me and we call in Jake Shields and in a room full people we put him in a deposition where he said ‘he’s good but I mean he paid me over half a million’ how do you think I know you exist?!” Strickland wrote in his response.
The fighter went on to claim that his awareness of Moneyberg came through paid arrangements with other fighters. “Fighters who you paid to peddle your BS sent me your page. These are guys you paid, lol,” he continued. He then went on to challenge: “and that being said, you’re in Vegas all the time. Roll through, sign a waiver.”
Moneyberg has indicated that legal action is now inevitable, describing Strickland as fundamentally dishonest in their interactions. The businessman expressed disappointment at what he sees as missed opportunities for resolution.
“I don’t recall ever meeting someone so insincere as @stricklandmma seems to be. I’ve been a gentleman to this guy in every way,” Moneyberg stated. “I’ve informed him, and others have informed him that he is maliciously spreading lies and false information about me and my business.”
According to Moneyberg, multiple attempts were made to address the situation before pursuing litigation. “He has had numerous opportunities to stop and apologize. He continues to spread lies however, so now we will go to court, and Sean will reimburse me for the damages he has created. Unfortunately, that is now the reality of the situation.”
