UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was removed from the UFC Fan Fest at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Sunday after gaining entry to the event despite not being scheduled to participate in UFC Freedom 250 activities, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.
The incident unfolded during the weekend surrounding UFC Freedom 250, which is being held on the White House lawn.
Strickland is not on the fight card for the event, but he traveled to Washington and appeared at several activities connected to the promotion.
On Sunday evening, Strickland posted a photograph on Instagram showing himself being escorted from the venue by U.S. Marshals and U.S. Park Police officers. Along with the image, Strickland posted a caption referencing the situation.
Best fans in the world! pic.twitter.com/UMtcHaz2Po
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) June 14, 2026
“I may have been charged with disorderly conduct. I don’t know what that is, but it sounds cool,” Strickland wrote.
Authorities have not announced any formal charges against Strickland, and reports indicate he was not arrested during the incident.
According to reporting from MMA Fighting, the UFC champion could potentially face a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge after entering the UFC Fan Fest without authorization.
The publication reported that Strickland had previously claimed he was prohibited from attending the event but nevertheless traveled to Washington, D.C., during the fight week festivities.
Earlier in the weekend, Strickland drew attention during a pre-fight press conference on Friday when fans reportedly gathered around him despite his absence from the official fight card.
The situation escalated on Sunday when Strickland attempted to enter the fan festival taking place at the Ellipse, a public area located near the White House.
Reports indicate that he succeeded in getting inside the event grounds before security personnel intervened.
According to MMA Fighting, Strickland managed to enter the venue and even jumped into a WWE wrestling ring that had been set up as part of the fan experience.
Security personnel quickly responded and removed him from the area before escorting him out of the event.
While no arrest was made, Strickland suggested that a disorderly conduct charge could be forthcoming.
Under Washington, D.C., law, disorderly conduct is classified as a Class B misdemeanor and can carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
UFC fighter Sean Strickland made an appearance at the UFC 250 Fan Fest before being escorted away by U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement officers as the crowd chanted, “USA, USA, USA.” pic.twitter.com/ZODykoxxZs
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 15, 2026
The incident comes after Strickland publicly stated earlier this month that he had been banned from UFC Freedom 250 because of comments he made criticizing President Donald Trump and the conflict involving Iran.
However, UFC President Dana White disputed those claims. White has stated publicly that Strickland was not banned from the event.
Instead, White said Strickland was simply not included on the guest list because seating capacity for the White House venue was limited.
CEO of the UFC Dana white said nobody is banned, and nothing is banned from the Whitehouse event. pic.twitter.com/hDL3UICVlM
— WayneTech SPFX®️ (@WayneTechSPFX) June 13, 2026
As of Sunday night, no official announcement had been made regarding whether prosecutors intended to pursue any disorderly conduct charge connected to the incident.
