Strickland claims UFC banned him from White House card over Trump and Israel comments

Sean Strickland, the UFC middleweight champion, claims he has been banned from attending the promotion’s White House event on June 14, linking the decision to his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump and Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Strickland made the allegation on Instagram, writing: “UFC at the White House with [Benjamin Netanyahu] in the audience. Straight slop. To be fair, they did ban me. But when you make fun of the leaders of America, they tend to be a little bit petty. By leaders, I mean Israel.”

He followed up with a more direct claim: “The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Benjamin Netanyahu]. That’s not public opinion, it’s fact.” When pressed for specifics on what triggered the ban, Strickland said, “I made fun of Israel and [Jeffrey] Epstein.”

The White House card carries no public ticket sales and is closed to fans, with UFC officials previously stating that attendance would be strictly limited. Strickland says he had planned to attend before being told he was no longer welcome.

The development marks a notable shift for Strickland, who openly supported Trump’s re-election campaign in 2024 but has since become increasingly critical of the president, particularly over U.S. policy toward Israel and the ongoing conflict in the region.

The UFC has not publicly responded to Strickland’s claims, leaving it unclear whether a formal ban was issued or whether he simply will not be present at the event. Strickland, for his part, showed no sign of softening his position, indicating he intends to continue voicing his views regardless of the consequences.