What happened: On The Fighter and The Kid, Brendan Schaub and Bryan Callen said Sean Strickland wants about $3 million to $4 million per fight, up from just over $1 million. Schaub said Strickland points to boxing purses such as Conor Benn's reported $15 million payday as leverage. Callen tied the timing to TKO-era revenues and interest from boxing promoters.

Why it matters: Schaub noted Strickland recently signed a six-fight deal, giving the UFC room to wait out a holdout. The hosts argued the promotion has sidelined popular fighters during pay disputes, citing Randy Couture's absence from highlights. They said a Strickland win in his next title defense would keep pressure for higher pay across the roster.

What to watch: Strickland's next defense date and disclosed purse will show whether the UFC negotiates or moves the division on. A finalized opponent locks in which path the middleweight picture takes.