Anxiety is growing as UFC Freedom 250 approaches, with forecasts indicating a lightning storm may hit Washington DC, potentially requiring fans and fighters to find shelter during the event.
This marks a unique occasion for the UFC as the event will take place outdoors, leaving participants exposed to whatever weather conditions may arise.
Donald Trump is organizing the UFC extravaganza to commemorate his 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary with an extraordinary event at the White House: a UFC showcase featuring seven bouts inside an eight-sided, wire-mesh cage on the White House South Lawn.
The UFC has confirmed that the gates for UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest are open as planned, despite the expected inclement weather in the area. Attendees are advised to prepare accordingly as more information will be provided when available.
Reports from the Associated Press indicate that storm clouds are gathering ominously, although substantial rainfall has not yet occurred at the Ellipse, where a live band is entertaining spectators leading up to the 8pm kick-off time.
Prior to the event, a notification appeared on video screens warning about potential severe weather conditions and instructing the audience to be prepared to evacuate and seek shelter.
Donald Trump has positioned himself on the White House steps in front of the Octagon as the national anthem plays.
Trump and UFC chief Dana White greeted the crowd amidst a sea of American flags and chants of “USA, USA, USA.”
Meanwhile, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted away from the Ellipse event by police officers and transported in a Park Police van.
Although once a vocal supporter of Trump, Strickland recently stated on social media that he was not invited to participate in the White House event due to his criticism of Israel.
Strickland, clad in a black anorak jacket and barefoot, was led away by law enforcement for reasons not immediately clear.
UFC CEO Dana White refuted Strickland’s claim of being barred from UFC Freedom 250 events, stating to reporters that no bans were in place.
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