Sean Strickland Says White House Banned Him From UFC Card

· Yahoo Sports

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says he has been barred from attending an upcoming UFC fight card at the White House, alleging political retaliation tied to his outspoken criticism of PresidentDonald Trump and U.S. foreign policy, though officials have not confirmed the claim.

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In a social media video, Strickland made the announcement with a sarcastic tone, saying, “UFC higher-ups called me…they said, ‘Sean, I got to apologize, but you’re not Israeli enough to go to UFC 250 Israel Edition. The White House didn’t clear you.’

“And I’m not really surprised. You know, I’m not really surprised. So, you know, I think, moving forward, I would like to just apologize to Israel. I’d like to say I’m sorry. I’d like to apologize to Trump. And I just want to prove that I’m Israeli enough for you guys,” he continued.

Newsweek reached out to the White House by email on Wednesday for comment.

Strickland’s allegation injects fresh controversy into what is already one of the most unusual sporting events in U.S. history — a high-profile UFC card staged on the White House grounds.

Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly backed Strickland in a post on X, accusing the Trump administration of punishing the fighter for his speech. “God bless UFC CHAMP Sean Strickland!! He’s a great American and has now been persecuted by the Trump admin for his 1st amendment free speech!!” Greene wrote.

The dispute underscores the increasingly blurred lines between sports, politics, and culture, particularly at an event meant to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. It also raises broader questions about free speech, access to government-sponsored events, and how athletes’ political views may affect their professional opportunities.

Sean Strickland, UFC middleweight champion speaks with the media ahead of UFC 297 in Toronto on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. The pay-per-view card, the first in Toronto since UFC 231 in December 2018, features nine Canadians and two world title fights. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

What is the White House UFC Card?

The event — officially called UFC Freedom 250 — is a one-of-a-kind fight card scheduled for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.

It is being held as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, with President Trump and UFC CEO Dana White spearheading the effort.

The event has already sparked swift backlash from politicians and public figures, including Joe Rogan.

Key details include:

  • A limited, invitation-only audience with no public ticket sales
  • Attendance expected from VIPs, military personnel, and global figures
  • A headline fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje

The event marks the first professional sporting competition ever held at the White House.

Workers continue building the cage for a future UFC fight on the South Lawn in front of the White House, Wednesday, June 3 2026, in Washington, as work continues on the construction of the ballroom, right, as seen from the Washington Monument. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

Who is Sean Strickland?

Strickland is a UFC middleweight champion and one of the sport’s most outspoken figures.

The California native won the title in 2026 after defeating Khamzat Chimaev and has built a reputation for his defensive fighting style — and his unfiltered political commentary outside the cage, according to his record on ESPN.

Throughout his career, Strickland has repeatedly drawn backlash for controversial remarks on politics, culture, and social issues, often using interviews and social media to air his opinions.

What Did Strickland Say?

In a video posted to X on Wednesday, he made several digs at the president, alluding to his disapproval of the administration’s actions and policies.

“I just want to prove that I’m Israeli enough for you guys. Like, for instance, you know, whenever the list, like, disappeared and Trump goes out there and says to everybody that, that he can’t really go into it because people by association will get prosecuted and like, their names will be tarnished,” Strickland joked, adding, “I want to apologize, you know, I don’t want them prosecuted.

“Or, you know, when Trump goes and bombs the f**** out of Iran and that no Americans agree with it, that costs Americans 5 to $15,000 to go fight Israel’s war. I want to apologize. Sorry. I’ve been a critic of that,” Strickland continued, sarcastically. “You know, my allegiance was apparently in the wrong place.”

The former champion also poked fun at Trump’s approval rating, joking that his rating is 99 percent in Israel.

“Apparently, I’m not American enough to go to Freedom 250, but I still got my ticket, so maybe we’ll just go,” Strickland said. “I’ll bring the bell, and we’ll just stand outside the gate, and we’ll just let them know what we really think about Trump and Israel,” he concluded.

Strickland was backed by former Trump ally turned target Greene, who replied on X, saying in part, “Unreal. Here it is. It’s true. They banned him but invited Bibi.”

“Good luck with Gen Z idiots and the younger generations idiots,” she continued, adding, “Choosing the Israeli genocidal regime over Americans that voted for you to stop funding and fighting foreign wars and just help Americans afford life is going to be your downfall. I hope protecting the Epstein pedo elites is worth it.”

Sean Strickland, left, reacts after defeating Brazil’s Paulo Costa in a middleweight bout at the UFC 302 mixed martial arts event early Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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