It appears Sean Strickland did not make the guest list for the UFC White House event.
The fighter recently reclaimed the UFC middleweight title from the previously undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, and many assumed that victory would guarantee him a spot cageside or at the very least a seat inside the venue. According to Strickland, however, that is not the case.
The UFC middleweight champion recently revealed that he was not invited to attend the event, and he claims the decision stems from comments he made criticizing some of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
Strickland has been especially vocal about American politics in recent months. While he was once a staunch supporter of President Trump, he has since become more critical and has repeatedly shared his views on social media.
In a series of recent videos, Strickland claimed UFC officials informed him that he had not been cleared to attend the White House card on June 14.
“I made fun of Israel and Epstein,” Strickland began. “The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Benjamin Netanyahu]. That’s not public opinion, it’s fact.”
“I got the call. The UFC higher-ups called me. They said I’m not Israeli enough to go to UFC 250 Israel edition,” Strickland said. “Apparently, I’m not American enough to go to Freedom 250, but I’ve still got my ticket.”
“I already bought my plane ticket, and we’re f***** going. I’m going to bring the belt, and I’ll get a big f***** bullhorn and go right up to the gates. We’re going to do a peaceful protest!”
The UFC White House event is expected to feature the largest security presence in the promotion’s history. If Strickland follows through on his plans to attend and stage a protest outside the venue, it could create a significant scene surrounding one of the most anticipated events on the UFC calendar.
