Sean Strickland turned a White House UFC fan event into chaos after he showed up despite allegedly not being invited — and ended up being escorted out by law enforcement as fans cheered.
The former UFC middleweight champion was removed from the UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest near the White House on June 14 after he was reportedly sneaked into the event by a fan.
Thousands of spectators had gathered near the White House to watch fights on giant screens as part of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations.
Strickland later posted a photo on X showing himself being removed from the venue.
“Best fans in the world,” he wrote.
In another post, he thanked the person who allegedly helped him get inside.
“To the fan that snuck me in.. Youre a f–king legend and a true America….. You did what the UFC wouldnt,” he wrote.
According to reports, Strickland appeared on the White House South Lawn shortly after the event began. Videos shared online showed the 35-year-old surrounded by fans as he made his way into a WWE-style ring set up on the Ellipse.
Law enforcement officers soon stepped in and escorted him out as the crowd reacted loudly.
Strickland later posted an Instagram Story from what appeared to be a Park Police van.
“I’m pretty sure I didn’t break a law, like I’m pretty sure,” he said. “But we might be going to jail, but I’m pretty sure we didn’t break no laws.”
In another video, the fighter said he “may have been charged with disorderly conduct.” He also thanked his fans for standing by him.
“After being banned, you guys riding and supporting me — it means a lot to me,” he said.
The United States Park Police Public Information Office said Strickland’s unexpected appearance drew major attention from the crowd and created a disorderly situation.
“The unplanned presence of Sean Strickland drew significant attention from attendees, resulting in disorder,” the office said in a statement, according to ESPN. “Due to concerns for Strickland’s safety and the safety of event patrons, personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Park Police, and other assisting agencies safely evacuated him from the area.”
Strickland has long been one of UFC’s most controversial figures.
He has repeatedly drawn backlash over remarks about religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation. He also faced criticism in 2022 after saying, “If I had a gay son I would think I failed as a man.”
Although Strickland was once an outspoken Trump supporter, he has more recently criticized the president. He publicly questioned Trump’s pro-Israel stance in 2025, later slammed Trump’s military strikes against Iran, and mocked his alleged ties to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
UFC CEO Dana White previously denied that Strickland had been formally banned from the event, saying the fighter simply was not invited.
“Nobody is banned. Nobody’s music is banned. No media members have been banned. The list goes on and on. Nobody’s banned. Nothing’s banned,” White told reporters.
White also joked, “Sean Strickland is banned from humanity. We don’t want him near any human beings anywhere.”
After Strickland’s removal, social media lit up with reactions.
Some fans praised the moment as instantly legendary.
“Top 10 coldest, most auraful, legendary pictures in history,” one Instagram user wrote.
“Strickland for President,” another added.
“You’re an American hero Sean. Don’t let them silence you,” one fan commented.
Others were not impressed.
“I wish you could understand what an absolute douchebag you look like,” one X user wrote.
“I hope they file charges,” another added.
Criminal Trespass! Lock him up!