Sean Strickland, a UFC fighter, announced on Friday his decision to sit out next year’s White House bout, citing issues tied to the Trump administration’s connection with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

In a conversation with video streamer Adin Ross and his friends, Strickland expressed his reluctance by saying, “I’d consider the White House event if it included fans. But going just to mingle with people linked to Epstein? No thanks.”

Strickland’s withdrawal comes on the heels of the Department of Justice releasing new files containing images, documents, and flight logs associated with Epstein and his affluent circle. The release followed the signing of the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act by President Trump last month, which mandated the public disclosure of these documents.

Recent weeks have also seen the reemergence of photos featuring Trump and Epstein, sparking curiosity about the former president’s awareness of Epstein’s alleged involvement in underage sex trafficking.

Although Trump has not faced any allegations of misconduct, he maintains that he expelled Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida upon learning about Epstein’s attempts to recruit his staff.

Strickland said the culture surrounding the controversy is off-putting and he isn’t the only fighter to distance themselves from the White House match-up. In recent months, UFC fighter Brandon Royval and former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey have questioned the details surrounding the event.

“I don’t give a f‑‑‑ about any of our political figures right now, and it’s like to fight in front of them seems like some f‑‑‑ing ‘Hunger Games’ type of f‑‑‑ing s‑‑‑,” Royval said. “I don’t give a f‑‑‑ to fight in front of some f‑‑‑ing billionaires and rich people that could give a s‑‑‑ less about me. Probably throwing parlays. F‑‑‑ you guys.”

The fighter, who’s nicknamed “Raw Dawg,” said he’d rather fight in front of fans “who can relate to me.”

“Also, I’m too Mexican-looking. [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is suspiciously arresting motherf‑‑‑ers, and I don’t know. Who knows, bro? Next thing you know, I’m in Mexico and I don’t speak Spanish,” he added. 

The cage match is scheduled to take place on June 14, Trump’s 80th birthday, and ahead of the celebration of the U.S.s 250th birthday.

UFC chief Dana White said the event will likely be featured on CBS and suggested that multiple fighters were in line to be on the list. In October, Conor McGregor confirmed that he would participate.