Sean Strickland has become one of the most polarizing and talked-about figures in combat sports today.
Known for his unfiltered microphone skills and a unique “Philly Shell” fighting style that pressures opponents into deep waters, the former UFC Middleweight Champion has turned his notoriety into significant wealth.
Entering 2026, Strickland remains a top contender in the division, with a massive bank account to match his main-event status.
In this article, you will know Sean Strickland’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Sean Strickland’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sean Thomas Strickland |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (Middleweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | $5 Million – $8 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$7 Million+ (Estimated) |
| Partner | “KJ” (Girlfriend) |
| Instagram Profile | @stricklandmma |
Early Career
Sean Strickland’s path to professional fighting was forged in a difficult environment. Growing up in Anaheim, California, he experienced an abusive household, which he has openly discussed in interviews.
He found an outlet for his anger in mixed martial arts at the age of 14. His natural durability and relentless pressure were evident early on, and he decided to turn professional in 2008 when he was just 17 years old.
He began his career fighting for the King of the Cage (KOTC) promotion, where he was virtually untouchable. Strickland went undefeated in his first 13 fights, capturing the KOTC Middleweight Championship and defending it five times.
This dominant run on the regional circuit proved he was ready for the big leagues, leading to his UFC signing in 2014.
His early career almost ended in tragedy in 2018 when he suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident, but his recovery and return to the cage became a defining chapter of his resilience.
Professional Career
Strickland made his UFC debut with a submission victory over Bubba McDaniel, initially competing at welterweight. However, his true potential was unlocked when he returned to middleweight following his motorcycle accident recovery.
He went on a tear, defeating high-level contenders like Jack Hermansson and Uriah Hall, which earned him a reputation as a volume striker with cardio for days.
His crowning achievement came at UFC 293 in September 2023, where he shocked the world by dominating Israel Adesanya to become the UFC Middleweight Champion.
Although he lost the belt to Dricus Du Plessis in a razor-thin split decision at UFC 297, he bounced back with a win over Paulo Costa in 2024.
In February 2025, he faced Du Plessis in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 312 but lost via unanimous decision. Despite the setback, he remains a top-ranked fighter and is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night against Anthony Hernandez in February 2026.
Sean Strickland’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Sean Strickland has an estimated net worth between $5 Million and $8 Million. This wealth has accumulated rapidly over the last three years, thanks to his championship reign, PPV points, and main event slots.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Reported Payout (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 312 (2025) | Dricus Du Plessis | $1.2 Million+ |
| UFC 302 (2024) | Paulo Costa | $1.22 Million |
| UFC 297 (2024) | Dricus Du Plessis | $1 Million+ |
| UFC 293 (2023) | Israel Adesanya | $1.53 Million (Inc. Bonus) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Est.) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1.5 Million+ |
| 2024 | $2.5 Million+ |
| 2023 | $2.2 Million+ |
| Total Career | ~$7 Million+ |
Endorsements
Sean Strickland’s unfiltered personality has made him a magnet for specific types of sponsors who value authenticity and raw appeal.
He has a significant partnership with Monster Energy, often seen holding the can in post-fight interviews. He also has endorsement deals with Nitrocross, XILE, and The Gun Store in Las Vegas.
Additionally, his merchandise line and affiliation with brands like Full Violence contribute to his monthly income stream outside of fighting.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Pro MMA Record | 29-7-0 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 11 |
| Wins by Decision | 14 |
| UFC Title Wins | 1 (Middleweight) |
| Significant Strikes Landed | 1,900+ (UFC Career) |
FAQs
1. Who won the rematch between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis won the rematch at UFC 312 in February 2025. He defeated Sean Strickland via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship.
2. What is Sean Strickland’s net worth?
Sean Strickland’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $8 million in 2026. His wealth comes primarily from high-profile fight purses against opponents like Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa, as well as sponsorships.
3. Who is Sean Strickland’s girlfriend?
Sean Strickland’s girlfriend is known publicly only as “KJ.” She prefers to stay out of the limelight but is frequently seen supporting him in his vlogs and has been a stabilizing force in his life since 2022.
4. When is Sean Strickland’s next fight?
Sean Strickland is scheduled to fight Anthony Hernandez on February 21, 2026. The bout will headline a UFC Fight Night event at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
5. Has Sean Strickland ever been a UFC champion?
Yes, Sean Strickland is a former UFC Middleweight Champion. He won the title by defeating Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision at UFC 293 in September 2023, causing one of the biggest upsets in the division’s history.
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