Sean Strickland has had an electric few days following his recent win at UFC 293. Having become the new middleweight champion, Strickland is keen on staying active. Unfortunately for him, it appears as though he has had to take a ‘forced vacation’.
Following his victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, Sean was in dreamland. However, being the down-to-earth man he is, Strickland revealed that it would be back to the gym for him. After returning from Australia, Strickland even planned to start sparring again on Tuesday, September 12. Naturally, there were a lot of questions as to what was next for the new champ.
“I am so f***ing grateful that you guys watch me.”
Sean Strickland thanks fans while on his forced vacation pic.twitter.com/Vg9MoBISci
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 14, 2023
Taking to social media, Sean gave everyone a quick update. “What up guys, I had to take a forced vacation, let the stitches come out of my foot.” Further, he continues, “I’ve always been kind of pseudo-famous but now everywhere I go someone recognizes me. Even today it happened like 3 or 4 times, someone will ask me for a picture and then apologize for asking me for a picture”. Having already broken his belt on accident, it appears as though Sean is still adjusting to life as a champion.
Additionally, ‘Tarzan’ continued to thank the fans for watching him fight and supporting him. The Californian revealed that he is grateful to everyone as they allow him to have a good life. “I’m so f**kin grateful that you guys watch me. Because my life, my bike, and everything I f**king have is because you guys f**king watch me, man”. Understandably, even before the fight, there has been overwhelming support for Strickland from many.
How much money did Sean Strickland make at UFC 293?
Despite his wish to get back to work as soon as possible, it appears as though Strickland will have to let his wounds heal first. Currently, it is unknown as to how or when Strickland injured his foot. Having put in an absolute clinic against Adesanya, many including Strickland himself, were surprised to see him take almost no damage at all. With that said, it is expected that Sean will heal up very soon.
In the meantime, it appears as though Strickland is enjoying himself, interacting with fans, and loving life. Most importantly, Strickland also secured the biggest payout of his career at UFC 293. Notably, ahead of the fight, Adesanya even jibed at Strickland that he would be getting paid well for the fight. Moreover, Izzy also made a comment about getting Strickland ‘his first fight abroad’ in an interview with Star Sports.
Naturally, Sean’s first time fighting for a title was going to get him a solid payday. With that said, reports estimate that Strickland is set to earn anywhere between $1-1.5 million from his UFC 293 outing. As such, it is estimated that Strickland’s base pay for the fight was $500,000 whilst he is said to have made an additional $150,000 in bonuses. Further, reports have projected Strickland’s PPV earnings to reach up to $850,000 as well.
At the moment, it is unknown as to when Sean will return to the Octagon to defend his title. Following his win, Strickland has been called out by Dricus du Plessis and Jared Cannonier. Additionally, Dana White has declared that an immediate rematch with Adesanya would be next. Despite the uncertainty around his future, Sean is sure to be up for the challenge as soon as possible.