UFC champion Sean Strickland has seemingly been removed from a UFC White House fan festival by the US Secret Service, after he turned up despite claiming to be banned.
In the weeks leading up to UFC Freedom 250, which culminates in seven bouts on the South Lawn on Sunday, Strickland claimed he was not allowed to attend the fight card or the preceding events – namely Friday’s press conference at the Lincoln Memorial or Saturday’s weigh-in at the Ellipse.
• Follow LIVE: UFC White House fights take place on South Lawn
But on Saturday, he filmed himself walking through a fan festival, seemingly at the Ellipse, before photos were taken of the controversial American star being removed by Secret Service members.
While filming himself walking through the fan festival, Strickland could be heard telling fans not to make too much noise as they spotted him and reacted excitedly.
However, he was mobbed by fans as he entered a ring in the middle of the park.
In a later video, Strickland filmed himself in the back of what appeared to be a high-security vehicle, saying: “I’m pretty sure I didn’t break a law, like I’m pretty sure. But we might be going to jail, but I’m pretty sure we didn’t break no laws.”
Shortly thereafter, the UFC Freedom 250 broadcast began, as US President Donald Trump and close friend Dana White – the UFC’s president and CEO – were filmed walking through the White House.
The UFC Octagon, built on the South Lawn, will host seven fights, culminating in two title bouts: Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title, and Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje in a lightweight unification fight.
Strickland, 35, last fought in May, outpointing teammate-turned-rival Khamzat Chimaev in a major upset to become a two-time champion.
Strickland has made numerous controversial statements during his career, including once claiming that he wished to kill an opponent in the cage someday.
He also drew fierce criticism from Australian media before fighting in the country, after insulting the nation’s people.
