Secret Service escort UFC champion Sean Strickland from White House event
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has been escorted from a fan festival near the White House by the US Secret Service after arriving at the UFC Freedom 250 event despite claiming he was banned.
The controversial 35-year-old was filmed walking through the crowd at the Ellipse before being removed by security personnel on Saturday.
He had previously stated he was prohibited from attending the historic fight card and its preceding promotional events in Washington D.C.
Fan mob and security intervention
The American fighter filmed himself walking through the festival and asked supporters to keep their voices down as they recognised him.
However, the two-time champion was quickly mobbed by an excited crowd upon entering a ring set up in the middle of the park.
Images subsequently emerged showing the middleweight title holder being led away from the grounds by federal agents.
In a later video recorded from the back of what appeared to be a high-security vehicle, the fighter expressed uncertainty over his immediate future.
“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.”
Historic event on the South Lawn
The incident occurred shortly before the broadcast of the unprecedented fight card began.
US President Donald Trump and UFC president Dana White were filmed walking through the presidential residence to mark the occasion.
A purpose-built Octagon has been constructed on the South Lawn to host the seven scheduled bouts.
The card culminates in an interim heavyweight title clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, alongside a lightweight unification bout featuring Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
History of controversy
Strickland last competed in May when he outpointed teammate-turned-rival Khamzat Chimaev in a major upset.
He has a long history of making provocative statements throughout his mixed martial arts career.
The outspoken competitor previously drew fierce criticism for insulting the Australian public ahead of a bout and once claimed he wanted to kill an opponent in the cage.
