Paige VanZant's Controversial Career Move

Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant has been targeted by UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland after she revealed that she has made more money selling racy content than she did from her fighting career. VanZant, who spent nearly six years with the UFC, turned to selling provocative photos on OnlyFans and her own members-only website to supplement her income.

Sean Strickland's Scathing Attack

Sean Strickland, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, launched a blistering attack on VanZant after she disclosed her earnings. Strickland's controversial comments included claiming that VanZant was signed by the UFC because of her looks, stating that women's MMA is "lame," and insinuating that people would rather pay to see her naked than watch her fight. He concluded his rant by advising kids to "stay in school" because "fighting sucks."

Valentina Shevchenko Joins the Fray

Valentina Shevchenko, the former UFC women's flyweight champion, entered the conversation and responded to Strickland's misogynistic comments. Shevchenko called out Strickland for making less money in his entire fighting career than female fighters and suggested that the UFC should increase his pay. Strickland retaliated with another offensive rant, mocking Shevchenko's loss and belittling female MMA as "trash."

Strickland's Title Defense and Upcoming Fight

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Sean Strickland claimed the UFC middleweight title in September with a surprise decision win over Israel Adesanya. He is set to defend his title against Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 297 in Toronto on January 20.