Sean Strickland wants to cross over to sister promotion Zuffa Boxing, but the outspoken former UFC middleweight champion faces a major obstacle in Dana White’s ban on fighters switching between the two.
Strickland has publicly questioned his future in MMA after admitting that injuries, brutal training camps and the financial rewards available in boxing have left him considering a change.
The American believes he could make more money with considerably less wear and tear on his body. He has even challenged Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, despite having no professional boxing experience.
Strickland Wants Zuffa Boxing
Strickland made his intentions clear across a series of social media posts, suggesting he could make history by moving between the two promotions.
“Yall I think Im just frustrated because my body is crashing because MMA training is brutal.
“My heart just isnt in MMA anymore. Groin tear, AC joint separation.
“I just dont think my heart is in MMA anymore. Boxing there is more money and its significantly easier.”
Strickland also questioned whether he should challenge his existing contract.
“I haven’t decided if I want to nuke my contract but I gotta say man putting hands on you sounds way better than the UFC right now…..”
In a separate video, Strickland made it clear that he believes his striking ability could translate into professional boxing.
“I fought for the title four times. I won it twice, beat all the boogeymen in the division. Hell, I fought half the division already. I want to box. I want to go put a f***ing boxing title on my mantle. I deserve it. I don’t even do MMA. I just box. I will put hands on any boxer.”
He then went a step further by challenging Zuffa’s cruiserweight champion.
“If Jake Paul wants to give me a big old bag of money to fight him, I’m under contract. Fine, I’ll go to Zuffa. I’ll go beat your cruiserweight champ, easy.”
Dana White’s Boxing Ban
Strickland has never been one to conform to the system, making him the perfect candidate to ruffle a few feathers and force White to reconsider his stance on UFC fighters crossing over to Zuffa Boxing.
It’s understandable why White wouldn’t want UFC stars switching sports at will. There is a considerable gulf between MMA striking and professional boxing inside the squared circle, particularly at world championship level.
Strickland facing Opetaia is a world away from where the former UFC middleweight champion is likely to be in terms of his boxing skills.
Opetaia is an established world-class cruiserweight who has spent his career mastering the sport. Strickland’s confidence alone would not bridge that gap.
White’s block is therefore likely to remain, despite the prospect of an active UFC fighter making the move to his sister promotion.
Strickland’s Next Move
Strickland subsequently appeared to calm down, telling his followers he would work through his frustrations rather than make an immediate decision.
“Alright Im done being a bitch. Ill figure this out.. Sometimes talking to you degenerates just helps me work through thoughts.”
His comments leave the door open without confirming that he intends to walk away from the UFC.
The bigger question is whether White would ever allow an established UFC name to compete for Zuffa Boxing while still under contract.
Strickland might be the man willing to test that boundary, but calling out Opetaia also demonstrates precisely why White has been reluctant to open it.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
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