Trump UFC event held at White House despite weather concerns

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Trump UFC fight live: Melania and Barron settle in as White House cage matches go on despite rain delay fears

More than 4,000 people have gathered at the White House for the UFC Freedom 250 event

Tonight’s UFC Freedom 250 event has officially kicked off at the White House, following concerns that severe weather could complicate the event.

President Donald Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday today, was joined by UFC CEO Dana White as he greeted the massive crowd gathered on the South Lawn around 8:30 p.m. local time. The first fight kicked off about twenty minutes later.

Several Trump family members were spotted in the crowd, including first lady Melania Trump and the president’s youngest son, Barron Trump.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Washington and the surrounding states until 11 p.m. local time, with forecasters warning of possible hail, wind gusts up to 70 mph and frequent lightning. Earlier Sunday, White House Rapid Response team declared the celebrations would continue “rain or shine.”

More than 4,000 people have gathered at the White House in a massive structure called the “Claw.” A large crowd has also formed at The Ellipse, a nearby park where fans can watch the fights on massive screens.

Earlier this week, the Public Integrity Project filed a lawsuit attempting to stop the UFC event, which it called “deeply corrupt.” A federal judge declined to block the event in a ruling issued Friday.

Trump family members spotted in crowd

Several members of President Donald Trump’s family were spotted in the crowd for tonight’s UFC event at the White House.

That includes the president’s sons, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Barron Trump. First lady Melania Trump was also spotted sitting with the president.

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 01:59

First fight kicks off

Tonight’s first fight has kicked off on the White House South Lawn.

Mexico’s Diego Lopes is facing off against Steve Garcia. The fight began shortly before 9 p.m. local time, amid concerns that severe weather could impact tonight’s event.

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 01:54

Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret Service

UFC champion Sean Strickland has seemingly been removed from a UFC White House fan festival by the Secret Service, after he turned up despite claiming to be banned.

Keep reading:

Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret Service

Middleweight champion Sean Strickland, one of the UFC’s most controversial fighters, claimed he was banned from this week’s events – before photos were taken of him being escorted off the grounds

Alex Pattle15 June 2026 01:38

Donald Trump and Dana White make grand entrance

President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White greeted the crowd at tonight’s White House fighting event.

Trump waved to the 4,000-person crowd gathered on the South Lawn as he stood next to White on the executive mansion’s balcony.

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 01:35

Storm could result in shelter-in-place order

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Washington and the surrounding states until 11 p.m. local time, leaving fans questioning how the conditions could impact tonight’s White House UFC event.

High winds and lightning could trigger a shelter-in-place order, reporter Heidi Androl told viewers during the event’s official live broadcast on Paramount Plus. If that happens, spectators on the South Lawn will be brought inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, she explained.

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 01:14

Fans gather for watch party at the Ellipse

Thousands of fans are gathering for a watch party at the Ellipse, a massive park located just south of the White House.

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 00:57

Fight start time could be 'fluid': report

The start time for the first fight on the White House South Lawn remains “fluid,” a UFC official told the media outlet Uncrowned.

This comes as NBC News reports the start time has been pushed to 9 p.m. local time, an hour later than expected, due to weather concerns.

The Independent has reached out to UFC for more information about the expected start time for tonight’s event.

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 00:45

What happens to the 'Claw' after tonight's event?

Tonight’s UFC event will take place in the “Claw,” a massive arena on the White House’s South Lawn.

Construction on the “Claw” started late last month and finished last week.

Now, a sworn statement from a Trump administration official indicates the arena will be “disassembled immediately” after Sunday’s event. “Demobilization” of the structure will begin tomorrow morning, the statement indicated.

Read more about the demolition plans below:

Trump’s UFC Claw will come down ‘immediately’ despite saying it could stay forever

Officials say in court filings that the massive arena on the south lawn will be dismantled right after the president’s birthday fight

Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 00:38

Fights could be put on pause over nearby lightning strikes

Thunderstorms are expected in the Washington, D.C., area tonight, which could impact the White House’s UFC event. Forecasters have warned that hail, heavy winds and lightning are all possible.

If lightning strikes within eight miles of the White House’s South Lawn, it will trigger an “automatic 30-minute freeze” for tonight’s event, according to The Weather Channel.

Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 23:50

In pictures: Top administration officials arrive at White House

Several Trump administration officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have arrived at the White House for tonight’s UFC event.

Check out their entrances:

Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 23:50