Thunderstorms Delay UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference at Lincoln Memorial

WASHINGTON — The UFC's Freedom 250 press conference faced its first significant hurdle on Friday when a thunderstorm delayed the event, originally slated for 8 p.m. ET, until 9:15 p.m. The press conference, held at the iconic Lincoln Memorial, was part of a series of activities leading up to the much-anticipated fight card set for Sunday at the White House South Lawn.

Once the conference commenced, it showcased the familiar bravado associated with mixed martial arts. UFC president Dana White described the occasion as “a one-of-one, an incredible event.” He was joined by fighters set to compete in seven matches, including a highly publicized lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, who exchanged barbs throughout the evening.

Gaethje expressed the personal stakes involved in their rivalry, stating, “Of course, fighting is personal. We’re trying to fucking beat each other up. None of you guys understand how serious it is.” A large crowd of fans gathered around the reflecting pool, adding to the atmosphere with cheers and chants during the Q&A session.

Heavyweight Josh Hokit, known for his eccentric style, added an unpredictable element to the proceedings. His frequent interruptions and comedic outbursts prompted Topuria to retort, “Just shut up!” After about 40 minutes, White decided to conclude the conference prematurely.

Addressing concerns about the weather, White expressed his frustration, emphasizing, “I’m sick and tired of hearing about the weather and all the other bullshit surrounding this event. We are fighting on Sunday night on the White House [South] Lawn, no matter what.” Earlier on Friday, the UFC also secured a legal victory when a U.S. District Court dismissed a petition that sought to block the Freedom 250 event.