UMVA has learned that UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was dramatically removed from the UFC Fan Fest held at the Ellipse in Washington D.C. on Sunday evening.
Strickland, who was not on the UFC Freedom 250 fight card being held on the White House's lawn, had apparently attempted to sneak into the fan fest, posting a photo on social media of himself being escorted away by U.S. Marshals and U.S. Park Police officers.
In a defiant caption, Strickland wrote, "I may have been charged with disorderly conduct. I don't know what that is but it sounds cool."
The incident unfolded after Strickland had been mobbed by fans during a pre-fight press conference on Friday, and then tried to find a way into the fan fest at the Ellipse.
Despite managing to jump into a WWE ring set up at the event, Strickland was quickly removed by security and escorted out, amid chants of "USA, USA, USA" from the crowd.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Strickland may be facing a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct, a Class B offense in Washington D.C. that carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Earlier in the month, Strickland had claimed he was banned from the UFC Freedom 250 event due to his recent criticism of the President, but UFC President Dana White has refuted these claims, stating that Strickland was simply not on the guest list due to limited seating.
Strickland's bold move has raised questions about security at high-profile events and the limits of celebrity access.
The dramatic confrontation has sparked a heated debate among fans and observers, with many left wondering what led Strickland to take such a risk.
