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UFC Champ Sean Strickland Torched By Dana White Over Potential Career Pivot

UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has reignited a feud with the promotion after hinting at a potential career shift away from mixed martial arts. In a series of recent social media posts, Strickland suggested he may vacate his title to pursue boxing, even floating the idea of facing high-profile opponents like Jai Opetaia or Jake Paul.

The comments drew immediate backlash from UFC CEO Dana White, who publicly dismissed Strickland’s boxing ambitions during a media appearance in Las Vegas. White bluntly stated that Strickland would have ‘no chance’ against Opetaia, calling crossover fights between MMA and boxing ‘a bad idea’ despite acknowledging Strickland’s hand skills.

The tension comes as Strickland prepares for his first title defense—a rematch against Nassourdine Imavov—while also grappling with a contract dispute with the UFC. White has previously separated Strickland’s on-cage performance from his controversial public persona, though the latest remarks have only deepened the rift.

Strickland, who recently regained the middleweight belt via split decision over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, has a history of clashing with the promotion over pay and promotional decisions, further complicating his future in the Octagon.

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