Storm clouds are gathering over the White House South Lawn, where an unprecedented UFC event is unfolding to mark Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary. Forecasters have warned of a potential lightning strike, forcing organisers to issue a shelter alert to the thousands of fans gathered for the seven-fight card.
The UFC announced on X that gates were open as scheduled but advised attendees to “plan accordingly” for inclement weather. A notification flashed across video screens cautioning the audience to be ready to evacuate and find shelter. Despite the ominous skies, Associated Press reported that substantial rainfall had yet to materialise at the Ellipse, where a live band continued playing as the 8pm kick-off approached.
“Storm warning issued at White House as Trump hosts UFC Freedom 250 for his 80th birthday.”
The fight night, a pet project of Trump – a close friend of UFC chief Dana White – is the first time the organisation has staged an outdoor event at the presidential residence. Among the seven bouts are two title fights: Ilia Topuria’s lightweight defence against interim champion Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. Six of the seven fighters are American, including “Sugar” Sean O’Malley and Michael Chandler. Controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit, who mocked Topuria’s divorce this week and pretended to throw up at the weigh-ins, faces Derrick Lewis, Trump’s favourite fighter.
As Trump took his place on the White House steps in front of the Octagon, the US anthem played and the crowd chanted “USA, USA, USA”. Trump and White waved to the sea of American flags. But the atmosphere was briefly disrupted when UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted out of the Ellipse event by a group of police officers and taken into a Park Police van. Strickland, wearing a black anorak and barefoot, had earlier claimed he was not invited because he is an outspoken critic of Israel. White had previously rejected that accusation, saying, “Nobody is banned. Nothing is banned.”
The evening also featured a surprise appearance by British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, who entered to “American Pie” wearing a “Donald Trump For Prime Minister” cap. Fury teased an announcement involving White – possibly signing with White’s Zuffa Boxing – but refused to reveal any details.
With storms looming and the first fights already underway, the question remains whether the lightning will hold off long enough for the main events to crown new champions.