Sean Strickland, a consistently controversial figure in combat sports, has publicly issued an explicit challenge to Jake Paul for a boxing match.
Following his recent loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312, Strickland has been inactive in the UFC, awaiting his next fight booking. During this time away from competition, he has maintained his controversial profile, notably through a widely discussed intense sparring session with another influencer. More recently, the former UFC middleweight champion trained with BKFC star Mike Perry.
Currently on a two-fight losing streak, Strickland needs to rebuild his standing to secure another opportunity at the 185lb title. While Israel Adesanya recently suggested a potential rematch against Strickland before his own retirement, the 34-year-old Strickland appears focused on a different path that lies outside the UFC.
Strickland Calls Out Paul, Criticizes UFC Earnings
During a livestream with popular influencer Adin Ross, Strickland voiced his strong desire to face Paul. “I need to go and beat up Jake Paul,” he declared. He drew a sharp comparison regarding potential earnings, stating, “I’d make more money f***ing up Jake Paul than I would my entire UFC career, how f***ed up is that?”
Expressing absolute certainty about fighting Paul, Strickland was highly critical of the influencer`s skills. Referencing Mike Perry, Strickland recounted Perry sparring with him and used this as a point of comparison to criticize Paul`s boxing performance against Perry. Strickland used explicit and vulgar language to dismiss Paul, calling him a “little [expletive] influencer” and stating he “sucks” and always will.
It`s worth noting that during his rant, Strickland incorrectly claimed Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry went to a decision in July; Paul actually secured a sixth-round knockout victory in that bout.
Jake Paul`s Upcoming Schedule
Despite Strickland`s public challenge and apparent interest in a crossover boxing fight, Jake Paul`s next opponent is already confirmed. Paul is scheduled to box Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28.
In typical fashion, Paul has already released a list of six potential opponents he`d like to face after the Chavez Jr fight. Unsurprisingly, the former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was not included on that list.
