UFC president Dana White has been involved in emergency talks around potentially delaying – or even bringing forward – his $60 million White House blockbuster due to forecast thunderstorms, lightning and dangerous winds.
Fox Sports Australia understands organisers of UFC Freedom 250 are considering a range of options for the historic event should bad weather impact the six fistfights taking place in US President Donald Trump’s backyard.
UFC FREEDOM 250 | MONDAY 15 JUNE 10AM AEST | UFC Freedom 250 delivers a landmark night of fights from the White House, with Topuria vs Gaethje leading a stacked card celebrating America’s 250th anniversary | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports >
Yet while various weather sources are predicting troublesome conditions for the outdoor event, UFC executive remain convinced the show will be one of the biggest sporting events in US history.
In the main event, UFC lightweight king Ilia Topuria defends gold against Justin Gaethje, while in the co-main Brazil’s Alex Pereira is also looking to make history in what would be a third division.
In fact, White has suggested he can snare UFC GOAT status from Jon Jones with victory in his interim heavyweight slobberknocker against Ciryl Gane.
Despite the weather predictions, the UFC boss also remains convinced the South Lawn event will be one of the greatest events in US sports history – having already declared viewership to reach “Super Bowl numbers”.
Incredibly, almost 100,000 fight fans are expected for UFC Freedom 250 in Washington DC, at either the live event or a huge watch party in adjoining parkland.
While only 4000 people will be inside the White House grounds, another 85,000 are expected next door on a large expanse of parkland known as The Ellipse.
But with concerns around weather now growing, thunderstorms have joined a list of key storylines.
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Topuria vs. Gaethje: Final Face-Off | 01:27
HOW BIG IS THIS EVENT GOING TO BE?
Put simply, huge.
Undeniably, the UFC White House event feels like must-see TV.
And even if rain does fall on the South Lawn sometime tonight, there is no doubting a huge global viewing audience – including Down Under — for an event that also doubles as President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
For some time now, White has insisted the outdoor event will be of the greatest sporting events ever. And it is hard to argue given the spectacles that have already been a Lincoln Memorial press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins at The Ellipse.
For the latter, particularly, there was a huge turn out inside the huge expanse of parkland that is being tipped to host some 85,000 fight fans at this afternoon’s watch party.
Only recently, Ronda Rousey’s hyped return to the sport against Gina Carano generated 17 million viewers at its peak, and UFC Freedom 250 certainly feels as though it is destined to beat that figure.
WHO STEALS THE SHOW?
Almost certainly, the White House itself.
When it comes to everything happening inside the Octagon meanwhile, the biggest storyline centres around Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira entering new stratospheres in terms of fame.
While there has long been debate around if the UFC ever gets, or wants, another Conor McGregor, it certainly feels like, right now, these two men have the chance to reach a new level of superstardom depending on their deeds on the South Lawn.
Of course, given this is a night of Americana, it also feels like that real life American Psycho – aka Justin Gaethje – is carrying the hopes of an entire nation in his ding dong battle with Topuria.
While Gaethje remains an almost $6 outsider, the fighter is readying to enter double figures for winning as a UFC underdog, and will be watch on, as always, by his beer drinking, copper mining dad, John Ray – who Matty Johns shared a few beers with on Saturday.
On the undercard, likely contenders for the US$425,000 performance bonuses include Sean O’Malley and polarising heavyweight Josh Hokit – both of whom have promised devastating knockouts.
And our pick for Fight of the Night? Diego Lopes versus Steve Garcia.
START TIME: What time will the event begin at the White House?
Pereira vs Gane face-off | 01:57
HOW BAD ARE THE WEATHER CONCERNS?
The biggest concerns for organisers centres around lightening and dangerous winds, with the chances of rain also now listed as 80 per cent.
Forecast models show a line of thunderstorms, which will likely contain frequent lightning and peak wind gusts higher than 50 mph, moving through the DC area from 3pm and could last for several hours.
The event is due to start at 8pm, with UFC officials having met again overnight to discuss a range of contingency plans.
While going earlier would likely not be possible due to both broadcasting constraints and the summer heat, there is definitely a chance the event will be delayed until the early hours of Monday.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, UFC event producer Craig Borsari said they would likely forge ahead in light and even moderate rain, however a lightning strike within eight miles of the Octagon “would mean we need to evacuate the South Lawn”.
HOW COULD FIGHTERS BEING IMPACTED BY RAIN?
Significantly.
While the famed ‘Claw’ structure that surrounds the outdoor venue does have a small roof at its apex, the gigantic mass of Star Spangled steel is so high that rain could easily blow in around it and soak the Octagon.
Already this week, UFC White House combatants were forced to extend their usual weight cutting routine late into Tuesday night of a press conference outside the famed Lincoln Memorial was delayed for over an hour due to rain and lightning.
There are also now concerns over how a wet canvas could impact fights, although the UFC does have three separate Octagon canvases available. That means if one is wrecked by weather it can quickly be ripped out and replaced by a new one.
Historic press conference gets physical | 01:46
WHAT IS THE SECURITY PRESENCE LIKE?
Washington DC has in recent days become overrun with armed protective forces, including the US Secretive Service, scores of police, and members of the National Guard.
Oversized fencing, which is covered in black material, surrounds both The White House grounds and The Ellipse, while armed security forces have also cordoned off several streets surrounding both those venues.
Obviously, much of what takes place regarding security isn’t made public.
However, even entering The White House on fight night is such a strict process, the small crew of invited journalists — which includes Fox Sports Australia — will begin the security process some five hours before fights start.
A Secret Service spokesperson has also revealed how they will even have their own meteorologists on the South Lawn to help protect those dignitaries present – including President Trump.
WHAT IS DANA WHITE SAYING?
White has repeatedly stressed the event will take place, no matter the weather conditions.
Asked earlier this week if he had been checking weather forecast daily, White insisted he had no concerns, his team was on top of everything, and not even lightening will stop the show from taking place.
“If you read the internet, the f***ing whole show is getting shut down on Sunday,” White told a small group of reporters including Fox Sports Australia this week. “But I don’t care if it snows, rains, whatever, we’re going – and even lightning.
“You guys all played sports when you were growing up. Whenever there was lightning, you’d sit the lightning out, and then when it was over, you played. That’s what we’ll do.”