'I just want to apologize': UFC champion claims he was uninvited from White House UFC event

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland took to social media to announce his alleged removal from a White House event marking the United States' 250th Independence Day. Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, sarcastically suggested his exclusion stemmed from not being "Israeli enough," linking it to his criticisms of US foreign policy and its involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

“

Well, you guys, I'm not surprised, but I got the call. UFC higher-ups called me, big names, and they said, 'Sean, I've got to apologize. You're not Israeli enough to go to UFC 250, Israel edition.'

In a video posted online, Strickland mocked the decision, stating he received a call from "UFC higher-ups" who informed him he was not "Israeli enough to go to UFC 250, Israel edition." He continued the sarcastic tone, offering apologies to Israel and President Trump, and expressing a desire to prove his "Israeli enough" credentials. He also criticized US foreign policy, referencing the cost of conflict and Trump's approval ratings in Israel compared to the US.

“

I apologize when Trump goes and bombs the f**k out of Iran, [something] that no American agrees with. The costs Americans $5,000 to $15,000 takes thousands of dollars from Americans to fight Israel's war. Sorry, I want to apologize.

The UFC has a history of permitting athletes to express their views freely. UFC President Dana White previously defended fighters' freedom of expression, stating he does not dictate what they say or believe. Neither the White House nor UFC officials have publicly addressed Strickland's claims.

“

I don't give anybody a leash. I don't tell any other human being what to say, what to think. Free speech, brother. People can say whatever they want, and they can believe whatever they want.