UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says he has been banned from attending UFC Freedom 250, the promotion’s upcoming event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled for next weekend on Sunday, June 14, 2026, and is being held to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The card is set to feature a Lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in the main event.
Strickland, who is known for using his platform to speak about politics, culture and world leaders, directly linked his absence from the White House show to his past comments. “To be fair, they did ban me. But when you make fun of the leaders of America, they tend to be a little petty lol by leaders, I mean Israel.”
He also said, “I made fun of Israel and Epstein,” and added, “The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Netanyahu]. That’s not public opinion, it’s fact.”
Strickland has previously had his microphone cut during press conferences and has clashed with reporters during fight weeks. He won the middleweight title from Khamzat Chimaev during a fight week when he was asked about attending UFC Freedom 250.
