Sean Strickland has been left scratching his head after learning that Jake Paul made the highest-paid athletes list.
Not long ago, Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by pulling off a stunning upset against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328.
Even before that win, the outspoken American was considered one of the most recognisable names in combat sports, and that victory only raised his profile further.
Still, he didn't come close to making Forbes' highest-paid athletes list, which only featured two fighters from the world of combat sports.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images
Forbes' annual release of its highest-paid athletes list always gets people talking, and this year's edition was no different.
One familiar name on the list was Canelo Alvarez, who brought in an impressive $170 million. But Jake Paul's appearance caught plenty of people off guard.
The majority of Paul's reported $70 million haul likely came from his fight with Anthony Joshua back in December. Despite the financial success, his place on the list has stirred up quite a bit of debate within the sport.
One person who took notice was Sean Strickland, who shared his thoughts during a livestream with Nina Drama. "Oh my god," Strickland reacted during a livestream with Nina Drama.
Nina's like, 'I'm a plant, I can't talk bad on the UFC'. Oh, I would beat Jake Paul, I'd beat him. Jake Paul lost to a reality TV star called Tommy (Fury), not even a real boxer," he continued.
Strickland may soon have other things to focus on, too. There's growing talk that he could be heading into a title rematch against Khamzat Chimaev in what would be another big matchup for both fighters.
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