League: UFC Sport: MMA Country: Global Category: Match Previews

UFC champion claims ban from attending Freedom 250 at White House

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 10:35 PM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

UFC champion claims ban from attending Freedom 250 at White House

Summary

Reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland announced he has been banned from attending the UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled for June 14 at the White House. Strickland stated his exclusion is a result of his outspoken political views, including criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The UFC's first event at the White House celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States and showcases a stacked card, including Ilia Topuria defending his lightweight title and Alex Pereira competing for the interim heavyweight title. UFC officials have not confirmed Strickland's claims regarding the ban.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Freedom 250 is the UFC's first event at the White House.
•Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight title at the event.
•Alex Pereira seeks to become the first three-division champion.
•Strickland claims his ban is due to political comments.
•UFC has not publicly confirmed Strickland's allegations.

Latest Updates

10:35 PMYahoo Sports — Reigning UFC Champion Drops Bombshell, Claims He’s Not Allowed at UFC Freedom 250

What they're saying

"
In less than two weeks, the UFC will make history by heading to the White House for the first time in its 33-year existence to host the Freedom 250 card, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. And it is safe to say the seven-fight spectacle is loaded from top to bottom. The main […]
— Yahoo Sports

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