UFC Champion Sean Strickland Demands Release in NSFW Rant to Pursue Boxing World Title

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who reclaimed his title in May 2026, has publicly demanded his release from the UFC in order to pursue a boxing world title. In a series of social media posts including a two-minute Instagram video on Thursday, Strickland criticized the UFC's business practices and stated he is done with MMA permanently. The 32-year-old referenced Conor McGregor's 2017 crossover fight with Floyd Mayweather as part of a broader trend of MMA fighters transitioning to boxing.