TLDR
- Bryce Mitchell criticizes the government hosting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14
- Mitchell says government should protect citizens, not entertain them with sporting events
- Sean Strickland was banned from attending the White House event after criticizing Israel
- Mitchell defends Strickland’s right to free speech and criticize foreign nations
- Mitchell faces Santiago Luna at UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday
Sources: mmajunkie.usatoday.com | sports.yahoo.com
LAS VEGAS – UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell spoke out against the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, saying the government is overstepping its role by hosting sporting events.
The June 14 event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C. on President Donald Trump’s birthday.
Mitchell shared his thoughts during Wednesday’s media day ahead of UFC Vegas 118. He said his issue is not with the UFC but with the government’s involvement in entertainment.
“Our government is desecrating its role in society by entertaining sports,” Mitchell told reporters. “Our government is to protect and serve the people and really should be as minimal as possible.”
The fighter said tax dollars and resources will fund the operation. He believes this falls outside the intended purpose of government.
Bryce Mitchell reacts to Sean Strickland being banned from the UFC White House event:
"I'm not surprised at all. We ought to be able to criticize our own nation, let alone a foreign nation.
[Israel] is the only nation you're not allowed to criticize. Something's gonna change,… https://t.co/6sri1cYTuD pic.twitter.com/9Gu5voVf4G
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 4, 2026
Mitchell Defends Strickland’s Free Speech
Mitchell also responded to news that UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was banned from attending the White House event. Strickland said he was uninvited after criticizing Israel, the war in Iran, and the handling of the Epstein Files.
“I’m not surprised at all,” Mitchell said. “Freedom of speech is what really makes this country great.”
Mitchell said Americans should be able to criticize foreign nations as well as their own country. He compared the situation to Star Wars, saying “evil empires don’t last forever.”
“In fact, that’s the only nation you’re not allowed to criticize, you know,” Mitchell said about Israel. “There’s always a rebellion. You ever seen Star Wars? That’s what’s going to happen, bro.”
Mitchell made clear he has no issue with the UFC accepting the opportunity. He said the promotion made the right business decision.
“First off, I ain’t jealous of any of those fighters,” Mitchell said. “I am so happy for those fighters. I don’t think you could have got a better main event.”
Economics Background Influences Views
The fighter explained his background in economics shapes his political views. He said he enjoys studying politics and understands the government’s proper role.
“I’m an economics major. I love studying politics,” Mitchell said. “On the political side of things, not the UFC’s business. Of course they’re going to say yes to it.”
Mitchell said hosting sporting events creates more opportunities for corruption. He believes the government is already corrupted and should limit its activities.
“When you’re doing all this stuff, hosting sporting events, it’s really outside of what the goal of government was intended to be,” he said.
The fighter praised UFC leadership including Dana White, Hunter Campbell, Sean Shelby, and Mick Maynard. He called the White House event a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the fighters involved.
Mitchell said he would be willing to fill in at the White House event if needed and if he is healthy. He said the government should focus on its core mission instead.
“The government is supposed to protect us, not entertain us,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell holds an 18-3 record in mixed martial arts with a 9-3 record inside the UFC. He faces undefeated prospect Santiago Luna on Saturday’s UFC Vegas 118 main card at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Luna brings an 8-0 record overall and 2-0 UFC record into the fight.
