Sean Strickland is one of the most outspoken and hard-hitting fighters in the UFC middleweight division. Known for his brash persona and relentless fighting style, Strickland’s journey from a troubled childhood to UFC stardom is as compelling as his performances inside the octagon. Here’s a deep dive into his life, career, finances, and more.
Sean Strickland’s Biography
| Field | Details |
| Name | Sean Strickland |
| Nickname | Tarzan |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years |
| Place of Birth | Anaheim, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Religion | Atheist |
| College | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $4 million |
| Salary (Per Fight) | Around $500,000 base, with recent purses exceeding $1 million |
| Spouse/Partner | In a relationship with girlfriend known as “KJ” |
| Relationship Status | Not married, no children |
| Instagram Profile | @strickland_mma |
Early Career
Sean Strickland began his professional MMA career in 2008 at just 17, fighting in regional promotions like King of the Cage. He quickly built an undefeated record, capturing the King of the Cage Middleweight Championship by 2012 and defending it multiple times. His early years were marked by a gritty, aggressive style and a reputation for finishing fights, which set the stage for his jump to the UFC in 2014.
Professional Career
Strickland made his UFC debut in 2014, submitting Bubba McDaniel in the first round. Initially competing at middleweight, he later dropped to welterweight, experiencing mixed results and suffering a major injury outside the cage. After returning to middleweight in 2020, Strickland’s career surged, highlighted by a dominant victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 to win the middleweight title.
Known for his forward pressure and striking, Strickland has faced some of the division’s elite, including Alex Pereira, Jared Cannonier, and Dricus du Plessis. As of 2025, his professional record stands at 29 wins and 6 losses, with notable wins and several main event appearances.
Sean Strickland’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Sean Strickland’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million, with predictions that he could reach $8–10 million by the end of his fighting career. His wealth comes from UFC purses, sponsorships, and investments, including real estate.
Fight Purses
| Fight/Event | Base Salary | Total Earnings (incl. bonuses/sponsors) |
| UFC 293 vs. Israel Adesanya | $500,000 | ~$1,082,000 |
| UFC 297 vs. Dricus du Plessis | $500,000+ | ~$1,000,000+ (with PPV points) |
| UFC 302 vs. Paulo Costa | $600,000 | ~$1,221,000 |
| UFC 312 (projected) vs. Du Plessis | $500,000 | Up to $1,500,000 (depending on PPV) |
Endorsements
- Monster Energy
- Full Violence
- The Gun Store (Las Vegas)
- XILE
- Nitrocross
Career Records
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date |
| Win | 29-6 | Paulo Costa | Decision (split) | UFC 302 | June 1, 2024 |
| Loss | 28-6 | Dricus du Plessis | Decision (split) | UFC 297 | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Win | 28-5 | Israel Adesanya | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 293 | Sep 10, 2023 |
| Loss | 25-5 | Jared Cannonier | Decision (split) | UFC Fight Night | Dec 17, 2022 |
| Loss | 25-4 | Alex Pereira | KO (punches) | UFC 276 | Jul 2, 2022 |
| Win | 24-3 | Uriah Hall | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN | Jul 31, 2021 |
| Loss | 19-3 | Elizeu Zaleski dos S. | KO (spinning wheel kick) | UFC 224 | May 12, 2018 |
| Loss | 18-2 | Kamaru Usman | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 210 | Apr 8, 2017 |
| Loss | 15-1 | Santiago Ponzinibbio | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night | Feb 22, 2015 |
FAQs
1. Who is Sean Strickland?
Sean Strickland is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and previously held the King of the Cage Middleweight title.
2. What is Sean Strickland’s MMA record?
Sean Strickland has a professional MMA record of 29 wins and 7 losses.
3. When and where was Sean Strickland born?
Sean Strickland was born on February 27, 1991, in Anaheim, California, United States.
4. How did Sean Strickland become UFC Middleweight Champion?
Sean Strickland won the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision at UFC 293 on September 10, 2023, in what was considered a major upset.
5. What is Sean Strickland’s fighting style?
Strickland is known for his upright, orthodox stance and defensive striking, utilizing a high significant strike defense rate and the Philly Shell guard. He applies pressure with volume jabs and a strong right cross, and uses wrestling primarily for defense.
6. What is Sean Strickland’s background and early life?
Strickland grew up in Corona, California, in a household marked by physical and mental abuse from his father. He struggled with a troubled adolescence, including exposure to extremist ideologies, but credits MMA with helping him overcome his past.
7. Has Sean Strickland faced any major injuries?
In December 2018, Strickland was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, which left him unconscious and required knee surgery. He returned to MMA after a two-year layoff.
8. What controversies has Sean Strickland been involved in?
Strickland is known for making controversial statements on social and political issues, including remarks about the LGBTQ+ community and women’s rights, which have drawn significant criticism.
9. What is Sean Strickland’s net worth and UFC earnings?
Strickland has earned over $6 million from professional fighting, with his largest single payout coming after his victory over Israel Adesanya. He is among the top-paid athletes in the UFC, earning a base salary of around $50,000 per fight.
10. What is Sean Strickland’s height, weight, and nickname?
Sean Strickland stands 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall, weighs 185 pounds (84 kg), and is nicknamed “Tarzan.”