Sean Strickland’s absence from the highly anticipated UFC White House card this Sunday has sparked controversy, with the middleweight champion claiming he’s been banned from attending. However, UFC CEO Dana White is setting the record straight, insisting that no one is actually banned from the event.
Strickland took to social media to voice his frustrations, alleging that his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump regarding the situation in Iran and his ties with Israel led to his exclusion. “The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Benjamin Netanyahu],” he stated, framing his comments as a matter of fact rather than opinion.
In response to Strickland’s claims, White expressed disbelief during a recent media scrum. “Apparently, everybody is banned,” he quipped, dismissing the notion that Strickland is prohibited from attending. “Sean Strickland is banned from humanity. We don’t want him near any human beings anywhere. He made it very clear he didn’t want to be a part of this event.”
White clarified that Strickland’s absence has nothing to do with a ban. Instead, he explained that the event is limited in capacity, with most tickets allocated to Trump’s guests. “This is obviously a very unique event where first of all, there’s only so much room,” White noted. “Literally, nobody has been banned from this event.”
The UFC is taking the reins on media credentials for the White House card, a departure from the usual protocol where the White House manages press access. This change means that while some media outlets may not receive credentials, it does not equate to an outright ban.
Additionally, White addressed concerns regarding fighters’ walkout music, assuring fans that no one has been forced to change their song selections, countering rumors about Diego Lopes.
“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” White stated. “Nobody is banned. Nothing is banned. I want as many people to be inside of this thing and experience it as possible.”
As the excitement builds for the UFC White House card, fans are left wondering how this drama will unfold and what it means for Strickland’s future in the spotlight.
