via Imago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MAY 12: Sean Strickland of the United States prepares to enter the Octagon before facing Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos of Brazil in their welterweight bout during the UFC 224 event at Jeunesse Arena on May 12, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
via Imago
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – MAY 12: Sean Strickland of the United States prepares to enter the Octagon before facing Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos of Brazil in their welterweight bout during the UFC 224 event at Jeunesse Arena on May 12, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
There have always been issues and accusations of low fighter pay in the UFC. Many fighters feel under-compensated for their efforts in the octagon. Recently, in an episode of his podcast show, ‘Believe You Me’, Michael Bisping revealed some shocking news about UFC middleweight fighter Sean Strickland.
‘The Count’ addressed the incident of Strickland’s motorcycle accident that he had years ago, which almost ended his career. However, the incident did have a positive impact on ‘Tarzan’, as it left him with a good amount of money.
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Bisping said, “He (Strickland) told me yesterday, he said, ‘listen I probably shouldn’t talk about this.’ He said, ‘But I got a ton of money from that accident.’ So he got obviously got a lot of compensation through the insurance policies or whoever was at fault… He said, ‘and that is what changed my fighting style.”
“Because that took away the stress of fighting’. He said,’ because in the past I was so stressed out with it because this is what’s going to make or break me. This is what’s going to make me financially comfortable.'”
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The former UFC middleweight champion believes that Sean Strickland is now fighting for the enjoyment of the sport rather than for making money. He found it fascinating how this incident about money completely changed the way Strickland fights.
This is only one of the instances that have come up in the media about how money affects a fighter’s performance. There could be many other fighters who have the stress of getting paid at the back of their head. This may be affecting their fighting style in a negative manner.
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What’s next for Sean Strickland after UFC Vegas 47?
Strickland defeated Jack Hermansson last night at UFC Fight Night 200 via split decision. ‘Tarzan’ seemed to be the more tactical one in the fight. He kept Hermansson at a distance for the entirety of the bout with his quick jabs. According to Strickland, he didn’t fight the way he wanted to and was more cautious throughout.
After his win against Hermansson, Strickland said that he would “love to get a title shot” in his next bout.
However, it may not be likely as higher-ranked contenders Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier will collide on the undercard of UFC 271: Whittaker vs Adesanya.
WATCH THIS STORY: Five Potential Opponents for Sean Strickland After His Victory Over Jack Hermansson at UFC Vegas 47
Should the title fight be close, the loser may get an instant rematch. Or, the UFC will most likely book the winner of Brunson vs Cannonier for the next title fight.
Hence, ‘Tarzan’ may have to fight Paulo Costa (if UFC allows him to compete at 185) or his friend Marvin Vettori.
