Sean Strickland says he was banned from UFC White House after controversial statements; understand why.

Strickland celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

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One of the most controversial names in all of MMA, Sean Strickland you will not be one of the lucky ones to watch the UFC Freedom 250 on site. Still recovering from the big win against Khamzat Shimaev, which guaranteed him the reconquest of the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg.), the only American champion in the organization revealed through a publication on social media last Wednesday (3) that his presence at the show was completely vetoed by the Ultimate executives. In this context, he took the opportunity to show his discontent with the political relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.

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Strickland was asked by a follower why he couldn't attend the event, to which he briefly replied that it was retaliation for having made jokes about Benjamin Netanyahu and the criminal cases involving Jeffrey Epstein. In a slightly more serious tone, he expressed his annoyance at the Israeli politician's presence on the night of the fights.

“UFC at the White House with Netanyahu in the audience. Pure garbage. The only American male champion banned from the White House because I said Trump is controlled by Netanyahu. This isn't public opinion, it's a fact,” stated the fighter, known for his controversial stances.

???? Sean Strickland says he's BANNED from attending the UFC White House event because he “made fun of Israel and Epstein”

“UFC at the White House with [Netanyahu] in the audience. Straight 🇮🇱 slop.

The only male American champion banned at the White House because I said Trump is… pic.twitter.com/PCbsmbyiTi

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 3, 2026

UFC at the White House will take place on Trump's birthday and will be attended by allies.

President Trump in UFC 316, in 2025. Photo: Reproduction / UFC

Leader of the right-wing Likud party, Netanyahu has held the position since December 2022, in addition to having served terms between 1996 and 1999 and from 2009 to 2021. He is the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history. He is also under investigation by the International Criminal Court on charges of corruption and a series of crimes against humanity. Despite acknowledging recent friction, he and Donald Trump are political allies.