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President Donald Trump’s UFC event at the White House has been delayed as the Washington, D.C., area braces for intense weather this evening.
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. The fights will now kick off at 9 p.m. local time, an hour later than expected, due to weather concerns, according to NBC News.
In response to reports of poor weather, the White House Rapid Response team declared the celebrations would continue “rain or shine.”
More than 4,000 people will gather in a massive arena on the White House’s South Lawn for tonight’s UFC event, which also falls on the president’s 80th birthday. Another 120,000 spectators are expected to attend a watch party at the Ellipse, a 52-acre park just south of the White House.
All 14 fighters successfully made weight Saturday during ceremonial weigh-ins at the Ellipse. Following their official morning weigh-ins, the athletes took the stage in front of thousands of fans.
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.
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 Hawkinson15 June 2026 00:19
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:
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was sporting a pair of sunglasses as he arrived at the White House ahead of President Donald Trump’s UFC event (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie Miller, smiled as they arrived at the White House (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes his way to the White House on Sunday afternoon (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio seen from behind as he arrives for the UFC fight night at the White House (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 23:50
Schedule update: UFC fights to kick off hour later than expected
Tonight’s fights at the White House will now kick off at 9 p.m. local time, an hour later than expected, due to weather concerns, according to NBC News.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m. local time, with forecasters warning of possible hail, wind gusts up to 70 mph and frequent lightning.
Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 23:34
In pictures: Protest forms near White House ahead of UFC event
Protesters have gathered near the White House to protest the Trump administration ahead of tonight’s UFC event.
Protesters gathered near the White House Sunday afternoon to protest the Trump administration (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey)
The protesters gathered in Lafayette Square just hours before the UFC event, which will bring 4,000 spectators to the White House’s South Lawn (REUTERS)
Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 23:18
Watch live: Trump attends UFC event staged at the White House
Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 23:14
Eric Trump jokes ‘UFC started early’ as he posts photo from White House
Eric Trump, the president’s second son, shared another post on X ahead of tonight’s UFC event at the White House
Katie Hawkinson14 June 2026 22:53
Severe thunderstorm watch issued for DC area
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the District of Columbia, parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, in effect until 11 p.m. EDT tonight.
Jasmine Fernández14 June 2026 22:25
Eric Trump shares view of White House UFC arena from the roof
With just hours to go before the event, Eric Trump took to X to share an exclusive, bird’s-eye view of the massive setup from the top of the White House.
Panning his camera across the South Lawn, his video captures the full scale of the towering UFC arena built for tonight’s matches.
“Alright guys, UFC starts in a couple hours, here’s what it looks like from the top of the White House,” he says in the clip. He also points out the construction site on the grounds, calling attention to the “cranes over there for construction of the brand new ballroom.”
Jasmine Fernández14 June 2026 21:53
Guests arrive at White House in full patriotic and UFC gear for fight night
The crowd has begun arriving at the White House for tonight’s UFC Freedom 250 card. Guests waiting in line to get onto the grounds are sporting everything from American flag overalls and MAGA gear to custom combat shirts blending UFC logos with America 250 themes.
As the anticipation builds outside the massive “Claw” arena, enthusiastic chants of “USA! USA!” are breaking out among attendees.
(AFP/Getty)
(AFP/Getty)
(AFP/Getty)
(AFP/Getty)
Jasmine Fernández14 June 2026 21:37
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targets ‘Red 40’ in UFC post
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a photo of himself on X physically punching a UFC-style fighter digitally labeled “Red 40.”
Jasmine Fernández14 June 2026 21:19