UFC Star Strickland Says He Was Not Approved for White House Card

A 35-year-old reigning UFC middleweight champion, American Sean Strickland has claimed that his exclusion from a potential UFC event at the White House was not determined by the promotion itself, but rather by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The fighter stated that he had discussed the matter with Hunter, during which he was informed that his removal from the card was linked to his public remarks. Strickland added that the response he received was light-hearted, and the conversation subsequently continued in a normal and informal manner.

He further remarked that, despite what he described as the administration’s strict approach to freedom of expression, the UFC, in his opinion, continues to respect and uphold the principles of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.