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Current UFC Champion Claims He’s Banned From Attending UFC White House Event
John Jones-Imagn Images

Newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says he won’t be attending one of the biggest events in UFC history and according to him, it isn’t by choice.

Strickland recently claimed on social media that he has been banned from attending UFC Freedom 250, the historic UFC event scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House.

The card, which coincides with the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, is expected to feature some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts and will take place with President Donald Trump in attendance. But if Strickland’s comments are accurate, the UFC’s reigning middleweight champion will be watching from afar.

Strickland Makes Bombshell Claim

The controversy began when Strickland posted a message on Instagram discussing the upcoming event. “UFC at the White House with [Benjamin Netanyahu] in the audience. Straight [Israel] slop,” Strickland wrote.

“To be fair, they did ban me. But when you make fun of the leaders of America, they tend to be a little petty.” Strickland later elaborated on the claim when responding to a fan who questioned why he wouldn’t be attending. According to the champion, his comments regarding politics and international affairs led to the alleged ban.

Strickland Says His Comments Led to Exclusion

In a follow-up exchange, Strickland suggested that his criticism of political figures ultimately resulted in him being excluded from the event. “I made fun of Israel and Epstein,” Strickland wrote.

“The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by Netanyahu.” As of now, neither the UFC nor White House officials have publicly confirmed Strickland’s claims.

Throughout his UFC career, Strickland has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most outspoken personalities. Whether discussing politics, culture, media, or fellow fighters, the California native rarely filters his opinions.

His candid approach has earned him a loyal fan base while also generating criticism and controversy on numerous occasions. The latest comments regarding the White House event are unlikely to change that dynamic.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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