UFC champion Strickland removed from White House fan event

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was removed from a fan event near the White House on Sunday, June 14, after his unauthorized appearance drew a large and disorderly crowd, according to law enforcement statements. The incident occurred at the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest on the Ellipse, across from the White House, hours before the main fight card began.

The United States Park Police stated that Strickland's unplanned presence drew significant attention and resulted in disorder, prompting personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Park Police, and other agencies to evacuate him from the area for safety reasons. Officials confirmed Strickland was neither cited nor arrested but was advised not to return to the venue. He was escorted back to his hotel without further incident.

In the weeks leading up to the historic White House event, Strickland had repeatedly claimed on social media that he was banned from attending due to his vocal political criticisms. He alleged that comments about former President Donald Trump, Israel, and Jeffrey Epstein led to him being told he was not cleared by the White House to attend. UFC CEO Dana White has publicly rejected the notion of a ban,...