Native World News

UFC denies Strickland banned from White House fight

UFC denies Strickland banned from White House fight

Strickland is a two-time UFC middleweight champion

Middleweight champion Sean Strickland has not been banned from attending Sunday's UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. says the organisation's chief Dana White.

The event is set to take place on the White House's South Lawn on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. as part of the celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.

Last week Strickland claimed the promotion had barred him from the event because of comments he has made about Trump, Israel. the Epstein Files.

Speaking on Tuesday, White dismissed Strickland's claims but said attendance would be restricted because "there are only 4,300 tickets".

"Of course Sean Strickland isn't banned [from the event]," said White, who then joked: "Sean Strickland is banned from humanity. We don't want him near any human beings anywhere."

UFC White House event challenged by lawsuit

Trump says Eiffel Tower-like UFC structure may stay

Strickland is a polarising figure in the sport. has made homophobic and racist remarks as well as derogatory comments about women.

"He shows up at Power Slap and starts fights," added White. "He made it very clear he didn't want to be part of this event,. now he's banned apparently – nobody is banned.

"Nobody's music is banned, no media members have been banned. The list goes on and on. Nobody's banned. Nothing's banned."

Strickland responded on social media. writing on X that he "got a call from from the UFC saying, 'I wasn't cleared by the White House'" following histitle win over Khamzat Chimaevin May.

This video can not be played

UFC arena construction begins at White House

MMA schedule and results 2026

Watch every Born to Brawl episode

Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/c982dw7ngd4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Discussion

Sign in to join the thread, react, and share images.