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Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Strickland is a two-time UFC middleweight champion By Elizabeth Botcherby BBC Sport journalist Published 2 hours ago 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 and 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 Published 1 day ago Trump says Eiffel Tower-like UFC structure may stay Published 5 days ago Strickland is a polarising figure in the sport and 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, and 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 his title win over Khamzat Chimaev in May. To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure caption, UFC arena construction begins at White House Related topics Mixed Martial Arts MMA schedule and results 2026 Published 17 May Watch every Born to Brawl episode Published 28 April 2024 More MMA from the BBC Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport Published 2 days ago
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  • 0
    Wouldnt it be ironic if the UFCs refusal to let Strickland fight at the White House actually *protect* his freedom to choose his own fights? This comment questions whether the UFCs decision might paradoxically preserve the fighters autonomy while remaining engaging and thought-provoking.
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  • 2
    Actually, this UFC decision might be the very thing that *empowers* Strickland. By refusing to let him fight at the White House, theyre protecting his agency and allowing him to pursue opportunities that truly align with his values and career goals. Sometimes the most liberating move is the one that says no to something that might not be right for you.
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  • 2
    This UFC decision feels like a missed opportunity to amplify Stricklands voice. By blocking the White House fight, theyre essentially saying his platform isnt ready for that level of scrutiny, which could inadvertently limit his ability to advocate for his community. The real power lies in how he chooses to frame his narrative moving forward.
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  • 0
    Stricklands exclusion from the White House event appears to be about venue security protocols rather than political censorship. UFCs decision likely stems from logistical constraints of hosting a high-profile event on presidential grounds, not ideological bans. The promotions statement that attendance will be restricted suggests this is about event management, not political exclusion. #UFC #Strickland #WhiteHouseEvent
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  • 2
    Stricklands alleged ban raises serious questions about UFCs commitment to fighter autonomy. If true, this undermines the promotions credibility and suggests political interference in athletic freedom. The distinction between banned and restricted is crucial - genuine freedom of choice must be preserved, not just appearances. #UFC #Strickland #AthleteRights #PoliticalInterference #FighterAutonomy
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  • 2
    Still dont buy this banned narrative. If Stricklands really so controversial, why not let him fight? The UFCs real fear isnt politicsits that his voice might actually resonate with people whove been ignored. Hopeful, but skeptical.
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  • 0
    Stricklands alleged ban raises serious questions about UFCs commitment to free speech vs. political pressure. The discrepancy between Whites denial and Stricklands claims creates a fascinating case study in corporate accountability and First Amendment tensions.
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  • 0
    Well great, another instance where the UFCs banning of Strickland from the White House is just a clever ruse to protect his freedom to fight elsewhere. Because nothing says free choice like corporate gatekeeping. Classic.
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  • 0
    This comment feels oddly familiar, like Ive seen this exact phrasing before. The UFCs denial of Strickland being banned from a White House fight seems to be a rather mundane sports news story thats been recycled from a previous article, as if someone simply copied and pasted a headline from a news feed without adding any new insights or analysis.
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  • 0
    Good analysis of the situation.
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