The UFC has spent months making plans for one of the most unique events in MMA history, UFC Freedom 250 at the White House this Sunday in Washington.
The seven-fight show features fan-favorites Diego Lopes, Michael Chandler and Sean O’Malley in separate fights, a heavyweight interim title clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, and a lightweight championship bout between Ilia Topuria and challenger Justin Gaethje. The card is stacked with big names and fights that promise finishes.
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But there is one possible issue: Inclement weather.
At the time of publication Friday, The Weather Channel forecasts a 50% chance of rain for Sunday in D.C., with the “potential for severe thunderstorms.”
There is a strong probability of showers in the evening, and high humidity too.
Even during the pre-show for Friday’s final press conference, former two-division champion Daniel Cormier was sweating so much that UFC commentator Jon Anik had to wipe his forehead down. The media event, which took place in front of the Lincoln Memorial steps, was delayed because of the weather, and it rained Thursday night.
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White, though, remains defiant.
“Listen,” he told reporters. “The show goes on, on Sunday, no matter what happens. We’re going. I don’t care if it rains, snows, whatever happens, we have a fight.
“I’m sick and tired of hearing about the weather now, and all the other bulls*** surrounding this event,” White added, perhaps in reference to an unsuccessful lawsuit that the anti-corruption watchdog group, Public Integrity Project, filed on behalf of two plaintiffs on June 6.
The suit aimed to block the “deeply corrupt” spectacle from taking place, alleging it violated regulations, wasn’t properly permitted and lacked necessary environmental review, among other claims.
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Earlier on Friday, Judge Amit Mehta declined to block the show because, he said, plaintiffs failed to prove irreparable harm and cited “unreasonable delay” in bringing the lawsuit because the event had been known for months. The 92-foot “Claw” structure above the Octagon on the South Lawn was temporary, Mehta added, and so environmental damage, therefore, was doubtful.
Speaking at the media event, White continued: “We are fighting this Sunday on The White House lawn. No matter what.”
Dana White speaks alongside the UFC Freedom 250 fighters in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
(Ed Mulholland via Getty Images)
Considering recent one-of-a-kind UFC events, from the promotion’s Fight Island shows during COVID-19 pandemic, to the Sphere of Las Vegas, and now Freedom 250, White later commented on the likelihood of hosting events in other unique places.
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But after this experience, he’s seemingly unenthused.
“The Sphere happened because I watched a show there, and then you all know how this [the White House event] ended up happening,” he said.
“I like arenas where fans can get a great experience. I like arenas where we don’t have to worry about the elements.
“Look on the screens — the setup here, this is one of one. I love it. But I’m not looking to go outside anymore and do anything crazy.”
“We’ll just do some arenas for the rest of the year,” White finished.
