Strickland says UFC told him he's 'not Israeli enough' for event

Sean Strickland claims UFC executives blocked him from attending an upcoming Israel event despite buying his own ticket. The former middleweight champion says he plans to stage a protest outside the venue.

“I got the call, UFC higher ups called me. They said I'm not Israeli enough to go to UFC 250 Israel edition. I already bought my plane ticket, we're f*cking going. I'm gonna bring the belt, I'll get a big f*cking bull horn and go right up to the gates... We're gonna do a peaceful protest.”

— Sean Strickland, via The MMA Draw

What Sean Strickland said

Strickland told The MMA Draw he received a call from UFC higher-ups explaining the decision. The middleweight contender has been vocal on political issues throughout his career. UFC has not confirmed details of any Israel-based event or its participant list.

What it moves

Strickland said he intends to travel regardless of the UFC's directive. "I already bought my plane ticket, we're going," he said, adding that he plans to bring a belt and bullhorn to the gates for what he called a peaceful protest. The promotion has yet to respond publicly.

Source: themmadraw.com. Full Sean Strickland fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.