Sean Strickland, the only current American men's UFC champion, has claimed he was barred from Sunday's fight card at the White House because he criticised Donald Trump, Israel and Jeffrey Epstein. The middleweight champion wrote on X that he was informed by the UFC that the White House had not cleared him to attend.
Strickland said a UFC official initially told him they would resolve the issue, and the promotion filmed the conversation. However, he later received a call saying he was not cleared. When asked for specifics, Strickland replied: 'I made fun of Israel and Epstein.' He added that he was the only male American champion banned because he said 'Trump is owned by [Benjamin Netanyahu]'.
Strickland, who reclaimed his title in May, was once a vocal Trump supporter but soured on the president after US strikes on Iran last year. He posted a mock conversation in which Trump obeys Netanyahu's orders. The fighter's comments resonate with public opinion: a June poll found 68% of Americans want an end to the war with Iran, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 10% believe the Trump administration has properly handled Epstein-related justice.
UFC chief executive Dana White dismissed Strickland's allegation, telling reporters: 'Sean Strickland is banned from humanity. We don't want him near any human beings anywhere.' White also mocked the idea of widespread bans, saying: 'Everybody's banned apparently.' The White House and UFC did not respond to requests for comment.
The event, UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for 14 June on the south lawn of the White House, coinciding with Flag Day and Trump's 80th birthday. A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit arguing the administration broke federal laws to accommodate the commercial event. Trump's financial disclosures show he bought up to $50,000 in stock in the UFC's parent company earlier this year.
Some 4,300 military personnel are expected to attend, but the weather forecast shows a chance of thunderstorms. Strickland has a history of making controversial comments, including sexist and homophobic remarks.
