UFC Fighters Sean Strickland And Bryce Mitchell Slam White House Fight

Topline

Sean Strickland, the UFC’s reigning middleweight champion who may be just as well known for his history of offensive statements, claimed he is blacklisted from the UFC White House fight over his critical comments on Israel, suggesting he’d show up to the event anyway with a bullhorn to protest.

Sean Strickland is the UFC middleweight champion. (Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)

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Key Facts

Strickland, an American UFC fighter who won the middleweight title last month, claimed in a video on X unnamed UFC higher-ups called him to say he cannot attend the upcoming White House fight, quipping the executives told him he is not “Israeli enough,” likely referring to Strickland’s history of anti-Israel comments.

Strickland said his “allegiance was apparently in the wrong place,” noting he has been a critic of the war in Iran and both the United States and Israel’s involvement.

In another video on his Instagram story, Strickland said, “I already bought my plane ticket, we’re f—ing going… I’m gonna get a big f—ing bullhorn, and we’re gonna go right up to the gates,” claiming it would be a “peaceful protest.”

UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell backed Strickland at a press event late Wednesday and blasted the White House fight, saying the government is “desecrating its role in society by entertaining sports.”

The government should “never” host sporting events because “there’s more room for corruption and we already have a corrupted government,” Mitchell said, adding the role of the government is to “protect us, not entertain us.”

Strickland has previously criticized the UFC’s White House fight, saying in December he would not want to go to “hang out with the f—ing Epstein list.”

What Other UFC Figures Have Criticized The White House Fight?

Joe Rogan, a longtime UFC commentator, has repeatedly criticized the upcoming fight on his podcast, despite being slated to attend and call the event. On “The Joe Rogan Experience” last week, Rogan raised concerns over safety, saying, “That seems like a good safe place to be, huh? Everyone’s going to know where all the world leaders are going to be.” He has frequently criticized the logistics of the event, saying a UFC championship should not be held outdoors because of potential disturbances like bad weather, bugs or high heat. Rogan, also a frequent critic of the Iran war, said in March it is “weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f—ing war.” UFC fighter Brandon Royval criticized the fight in November, saying, “I don’t give a s— about fighting at the f—ing White House.” Royval said he doesn’t care about any politicians or billionaires, and he likened fighting in front of them to “The Hunger Games.” Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey also slammed the event in September, saying, “I ain’t fighting at the f—ing White House.” In March, Rousey said the card for the White House fight “sucks” and “fell extremely short of expectations.”

What Do We Know About The UFC White House Fight?

UFC fighters will face off at the White House on June 14, which is both President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Construction of a 4,000-seat arena is underway on the South Lawn, which Trump earlier this week compared to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. He said the Eiffel Tower was never taken down as planned, suggesting the UFC octagon is “quite attractive to a lot of people” and “maybe we’ll never ever take it down.” The UFC is expected to spend $60 million on the event, with UFC president Dana White claiming the organization will likely lose $30 million. White has defended the event against critics, including those who have called it insensitive or unsafe to host a fight at the White House during a war. The UFC “can’t just bend and break and roll over for every bad thing that happens in the world,” White told Rolling Stone, saying he’s “not going to not run my business” because of the war. The UFC announced the lineup in March, sparking mixed reactions from fans who felt it lacks the sport’s legends. The event’s main fight is a lightweight match between American Justin Gaethje against Ilia Topuria of Georgia.

key background

Strickland is a two-time UFC middleweight champion, winning his first title in 2023 and his second last month. Rogan has previously praised him as “one of the best fighters on planet Earth,” saying he is “one of the hardest guys to hit in the sport.” But Strickland also regularly draws outrage for making controversial and offensive statements that have targeted women, LGBTQ people and people of color, and he has sparked backlash for using racial and homophobic slurs. Earlier this year, he drew backlash for using a homophobic slur against musician Bad Bunny after his Super Bowl halftime show, calling him a “gay foreigner who doesn’t speak f—ing English” during a UFC Media Day event. The same day, he said “no one gives a f— about women’s sports,” adding, “There’s nothing wrong with women. They do great things. They cook, they clean.” Earlier this week, he posted an apparently AI-generated video on Instagram of himself beating a transgender woman in a UFC octagon, saying he has “yet to see one rainbow flag. We’re back!!!” referring to the start of Pride Month.

Apple TV 2026 Release Date, Rumors, and Expected Specs

Apple TV 2026

Apple’s highly anticipated next-generation Apple TV is rumored to make its debut at the company’s September 2026 event. This potential release could mark a significant step forward for Apple’s streaming and smart home ecosystem. With expectations of advanced hardware, innovative AI capabilities, and improved connectivity, the Apple TV 2026 is poised to deliver a seamless and enhanced entertainment experience. If these leaks prove accurate, the device could reshape how you interact with both your entertainment system and smart home devices. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details about the new 2026 Apple TV.

Hardware Upgrades: A Performance Revolution

The Apple TV 2026 is expected to feature a substantial performance boost, powered by the inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, a significant upgrade from the A15 chip found in previous models. This new processor promises faster processing speeds, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced graphics performance, making it ideal for streaming high-resolution content and running demanding applications.

In addition to the upgraded chip, the device is rumored to include 8 GB of RAM, a notable increase from its predecessor. This enhancement is designed to support smoother multitasking and better performance for resource-intensive apps, making sure a more fluid user experience.

Storage options are likely to remain at 64 GB, with a possible 128 GB variant for users who require additional space for apps, games, and offline content. These hardware improvements aim to future-proof the Apple TV 2026, making it an appealing choice for both casual users and tech enthusiasts seeking a reliable and powerful streaming device.

AI and Software Innovations

Artificial intelligence is expected to play a central role in the Apple TV 2026, with significant advancements in Siri AI and Apple’s proprietary intelligence features. These updates are designed to deliver a more personalized and intuitive user experience. From smarter voice commands to tailored content recommendations, the device aims to simplify and enhance how you interact with your entertainment system.

The Apple TV 2026 will also launch with Apple TV OS 27, the latest version of Apple’s streaming operating system. This update is rumored to introduce a refreshed user interface, offering a more modern and user-friendly design. New features are expected to include deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing seamless interaction with devices like the iPhone, iPad, and HomePod. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or controlling your smart home devices, the Apple TV 2026 is designed to work harmoniously within Apple’s ecosystem.

Design and Sustainability: A Greener Approach

While the overall design of the Apple TV 2026 is expected to retain its compact and minimalist aesthetic, Apple is likely to place a stronger emphasis on sustainability. The device may incorporate recyclable materials, such as aluminum or plastics, aligning with Apple’s broader environmental goals. This focus on sustainability not only reduces the device’s carbon footprint but also appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Apple’s commitment to eco-friendly practices could extend to the packaging as well, with the use of biodegradable or recycled materials. These efforts reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to reducing waste and promoting sustainability across its product lineup.

Connectivity and New Features

Connectivity is another area where the Apple TV 2026 is expected to excel. One of the most exciting rumored features is the inclusion of an HDMI pass-through port, which would allow additional devices, such as gaming consoles or Blu-ray players, to connect directly through the Apple TV. This feature could simplify your media setup and enhance the overall user experience, particularly for gamers and home theater enthusiasts.

The device is also expected to feature improved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, powered by Apple’s new N1 chip. These enhancements promise faster and more reliable connections, making sure smooth streaming of 4K content and seamless use of wireless accessories. For users who prefer a wired internet connection, Apple may offer a variant with Ethernet connectivity, providing greater flexibility to suit different needs.

Release Timeline and Pricing

All signs point to an announcement at Apple’s September 2026 event, with the device likely becoming available for purchase later that month. Apple’s consistent product release schedule lends credibility to this timeline, making it a highly anticipated event for fans and tech enthusiasts alike.

In terms of pricing, the Apple TV 2026 is expected to remain in line with current models, making sure it remains accessible to a broad audience. However, if the rumored 128 GB storage variant becomes a reality, it could lead to a slight price increase for that specific model. This pricing strategy would allow Apple to cater to both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking premium features.

What to Expect

The Apple TV 2026 has the potential to set a new standard for streaming devices. With its powerful A17 Pro chip, enhanced AI capabilities and improved connectivity, it promises to deliver a superior user experience that caters to both casual viewers and tech-savvy enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a device to elevate your home entertainment system or integrate seamlessly with your smart home setup, the Apple TV 2026 could be the perfect solution.

As Apple’s September 2026 event approaches, anticipation continues to build. If the rumored features and upgrades come to fruition, the Apple TV 2026 could redefine how you experience entertainment and smart home integration, solidifying its place as a must-have device in Apple’s ecosystem.

Unlock more potential in Apple TV by reading previous articles we have written.

Source: Matt Talks Tech

Filed Under: Apple, Technology News, Top News

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Avengers Doomsday Reveals New Trailer at Comic Con: Doctor Doom

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige surprised San Diego Comic Con attendees with exclusive footage of “Avengers: Doomsday,” shown only to lucky fans inside of the convention center’s massive Hall H.

The trailer starts out with Victor Von Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) sitting on a throne as Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm (a.k.a. the Invisible Woman) explains how he’s broken as a person. “Victor was always the smartest guy in the room. He used to be different,” she narrates somberly. It’s clear that she and the rest of the Fantastic Four — particularly Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards — already know Doom and have a complicated past with him. “Everything he loved was taken from him,” she explains.

The trailer is interspersed with quick shots of the sprawling cast, including Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Panther (Letitia Wright), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Cyclops (James Marsden), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Gambit (Channing Tatum) and more. There’s a shot of a destroyed New York City that’s reduced to rubble, and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards asks if Victor is responsible for the carnage.

We hear Doom say, “All of you have lived stolen lives.” Thor confronts Doom but the villain catches his magical hammer and throws it aside easily. Doom uses his magic powers to throw Thor aside and raises an army of Sentinel robots — the iconic androids from the “X-Men” movies — from the ground.

MCU fans will have to wait until Dec. 18 to see “Avengers: Doomsday” for themselves, but it’s expected to be a massive team up between the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and even more of Marvel’s stars.

The countdown to “Doomsday” began last December as Marvel released four teaser trailers to start hyping up fans for the tentpole film. They featured the return of Chris Evans as Captain America, who now has a child, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his daughter Love, the Fantastic Four meeting Black Panther and the Wakandans and the official MCU debut of Fox’s past X-Men team.

The “Doomsday” cast is headlined by Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, plus “Avengers” stars like Evans, Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie and Simu Liu. The “Fantastic Four” and “Thunderbolts” teams, comprised of Pascal, Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen and Lewis Pullman, are also teaming up with the original stars.

Fox’s “X-Men” cast members are also crossing over into the MCU for “Doomsday.” The returning stars include Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn and Channing Tatum.

See a new poster for “Avengers: Doomsday” below.

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Gusty winds move through Phoenix metro

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An outflow boundary is causing winds to gust in the lower elevations.

25 July 2026 3:40 PM MST: Strong winds are surging into the lower elevations with outflow boundaries visible as fine lines in radar reflectivity. Expect wind gusts 30-50 mph, locally stronger along the Salt River Valley. Boaters beware! #azwx pic.twitter.com/CSBY738otz

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 25, 2026

A special weather statement has been issued for Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler until 4:45 p.m. for the potential of wind gusts up to 50 mph.

The heat is also on this weekend! The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning through Monday, with temperatures soaring back over 115 degrees. We are First Alerting during this time.

Saturday will bring the hottest conditions of the weekend, with highs climbing above 115 degrees. While we won’t be breaking the record high of 119 degrees set in 2023, the extended heat poses serious health risks. Sunday will be slightly cooler but still dangerously hot, with highs around 112 degrees

Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly in these conditions. Check on elderly neighbors and pets, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

Gusty winds and slight rain chance

Don’t let the heat fool you; wind will also be a factor this weekend. Expect gusty conditions across the Valley with gusts potentially exceeding 35 miles per hour. Secure loose outdoor items and use caution if driving high-profile vehicles.

A slight chance for rain exists this weekend thanks to monsoon moisture, but chances remain very low across the Phoenix metro area. Higher terrain north and east of Phoenix has a better chance of seeing some showers.

What to expect early next week

Temperatures will drop slightly to around 110 degrees on Monday, but the heat continues. Both Sunday and Monday will carry a slight chance of evening showers and thunderstorms as monsoon moisture persists.

Highs will remain near 110 on Tuesday and Wednesday before another warming trend develops late next week. Temperatures could potentially climb back into the mid-110s by the end of the week.

Stay with First Alert Weather for the latest updates on heat conditions and any changes to this forecast.

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