Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has expressed his desire to step into the ring with celebrity boxer Jake Paul.
During a recent clip that quickly went viral on social media, Strickland didn’t mince words about his financial motivations for wanting to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
“I need to go beat up Jake Paul,” Strickland declared. “I’d make more money f*cking up Jake Paul than my entire UFC career. How f*cked up is that?”
When questioned about his interest in a potential bout with Paul, Strickland responded with an emphatic “100%.” The UFC star went on to criticize Paul’s boxing abilities while referencing the YouTuber’s recent victory over MMA veteran Mike Perry.
“Jake Paul sucks,” Strickland said. “He comes to the gym. As far as me, one round. One round. Takes your [stuff] off, leaves the gym.”
Strickland continued his verbal assault by adding, “You will always and forever be a f*cking little d**k influencer.”
This callout comes during an interesting period for both athletes. Strickland lost his UFC middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in January, while Paul has been steadily building his boxing resume with victories over former MMA stars, including Mike Perry, Nate Diaz, and Anderson Silva.
The financial aspect of Strickland’s comments highlights the ongoing discussion about pay in the UFC compared to the lucrative paydays available in celebrity boxing matches. Paul has repeatedly claimed that his boxing opponents earn more facing him than they did during their entire careers in other combat sports.
Strickland’s public challenge adds his name to the growing list of UFC stars who have expressed interest in crossing over to box the social media star.
Paul is currently preparing for his next boxing match against Julio Chavez Jr, scheduled for later this year, while Strickland remains under contract with the UFC, which would require permission from the organization for any potential boxing match to materialize.
