UFC Freedom 250 hit by a late schedule change
The UFC’s White House plans have already hit a snag.
UFC Freedom 250, billed as a celebration of America’s 250th birthday, is finally about to get started after more than a year of hype.
But fans hoping to see fights on the South Lawn of the White House may have to wait a bit longer than planned. Bad weather in the forecast has apparently led to an early change in the schedule.
Weather already forces delay for UFC Freedom 250 White House fights
MMA’s top organisation has already had to navigate a few obstacles ahead of the event.
A lawsuit filed at the start of fight week aimed to shut down UFC Freedom 250, but Dana White and President Donald Trump got some relief when a federal judge ruled in their favour on Friday.
But even with that legal hurdle cleared, weather remained the bigger concern heading into Sunday.
Concerns started to grow last weekend when initial reports suggested there could be severe conditions. Even as forecasts varied throughout fight week, recent updates have made it clear that rain, high winds, and thunderstorms are all possible.
The event is still expected to go ahead, though. The promotion announced via social media that coverage will start later than originally announced.
The main event features lightweight champion Ilia Topuria taking on Justin Gaethje in a unification bout, following Alex Pereira’s historic bid for a third divisional title against Ciryl Gane.
The Weather Channel is predicting a 60 per cent chance of thunderstorms during UFC Freedom 250. The promotion is ready to pause fights if lightning strikes within eight miles of the venue.
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