Dana White refutes Sean Strickland’s claim he’s banned from the UFC White House card: ‘Nobody is banned’

UFC President Dana White pushed back against middleweight champion Sean Strickland's claim that he was barred from attending the UFC's historic White House card on Sunday, insisting that no one has been banned from the event.

Strickland had declared on social media that he was excluded for speaking out against President Donald Trump's foreign policy positions, including his stance on Israel and Iran. "The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Benjamin Netanyahu]," Strickland wrote, framing his absence as retaliation for his political criticism.

White dismissed the claim entirely during a media scrum on Tuesday, employing sarcasm to highlight what he called misinformation spreading around the event. "Everybody's banned apparently," White said with a laugh. "Nobody is banned. Nobody's music is banned. No media members have been banned."

The UFC CEO explained that the limited attendance—only 4,300 seats available—reflects the unique nature of hosting a combat sports event at the White House, not any content-based restrictions. Trump's office controls the majority of ticket distribution to invite guests, leaving limited spots for media and others. White noted that the White House typically credentials 1,000 media members for regular access, but this special event cannot accommodate that volume.

White also addressed rumors that fighter Diego Lopes was forced to change his walkout music, again denying any censorship. He emphasized his desire for maximum attendance and noted the UFC expanded the venue to the Ellipse to accommodate more spectators. "I want as many people to be inside of this thing and experience it as possible," White concluded.