UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was removed by authorities from a UFC White House fan festival event on Sunday after claiming he had been previously barred from attending the UFC Freedom 250 event taking place at the White House.
Taking to X, Strickland posted a photo showing him being escorted by numerous authorities away from what appears to be the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on The Ellipse. His post included an American flag along with a remark saying, “Best fans in the world!”
In an emailed statement to Newsweek on Sunday night, the U.S. Park Police said, “At approximately 7 pm, the U.S. Park Police received report of a disturbance within the UFC event. The unplanned presence of Sean Strickland drew significant attention from attendees, resulting in disorder. Due to concerns for Strickland’s safety and the safety of event patrons, personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Park Police, and other assisting agencies evacuated him safely from the area.”
What To Know
In a post to social media earlier this month, Strickland said he was barred from attending the UFC White House event, alleging political retaliation tied to his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump and U.S. foreign policy, though officials had not confirmed the claim at the time. UFC CEO Dana White said in part last week when asked if Strickland was banned, “Sean Strickand is banned from humanity.” White added that “Literally nobody has been banned.”
In the post to X on June 3, Strickland made the announcement with a seemingly sarcastic tone while laughing, 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, you know. I’d like to apologize to Trump. And I just want to prove that I’m Israeli enough for you guys,” he added in part.
Meanwhile, taking to social media on Sunday ahead of the main event, Strickland posted a video walking through a cheering crowd. Strickland then made it into a ring at what appeared to be the fan event saying in part, “We made it you guys!” The crowd also chanted “USA, USA!”
In a post to his Instagram story, Strickland said, “I may have been charged with disorderly conduct, I don’t know what that is but sounds cool. Anyways, I just want to thank you fans man, I can’t thank you guys enough, yea after being banned, you guys riding and supporting me, it means a lot to me, thank you.”
This is a developing story that will be updated with additional information.
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