Storm forecast delays first fight to 9pm ET
The weather has landed the first blow at UFC Freedom 250. With thunderstorms forecast across the Washington area on Sunday evening, UFC officials delayed the start of the White House card by approximately one hour. Broadcast coverage is still scheduled to begin at 8pm ET on Paramount+, but the first fight is now expected no earlier than 9pm, with promotion officials indicating the exact timing remains subject to changing conditions.

The delay highlights the challenges facing one of the most ambitious events in the UFC’s 33-year history. Mixed martial arts cards are almost always staged indoors, and the promotion has held only one previous open-air event: UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi in 2010. With further storms possible very much in play for later in the evening, Sunday’s card on the White House South Lawn may require additional adjustments before the night is over.