Concerns over the weather at the upcoming UFC event at the White House may have been eased with a fresh forecast.
This Sunday, an unusual combat sports event is set to take place on the South Lawn of the White House, something we’ve never seen before.
When Donald Trump first announced it, many fans were sceptical, worried that it might become a political affair. Dana White has since tried to clear things up, saying that’s not the case.
On top of that, Joe Rogan has raised questions about holding it outdoors and having to deal with whatever weather comes their way.
Forecast for UFC’s White House event shows improved conditions
Weather worries for UFC’s White House card seem to be lessening after forecasts now point towards dry conditions for Saturday night in Washington D.C., a big change from earlier predictions of thunderstorms. It’ll be warm too, around 82°F (28°C) by late afternoon and dropping a bit as evening sets in. Humidity could be close to 80%, but there shouldn’t be any rain during or after the fights.
The main draw isn’t just where it’s happening but also who will be there. Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul headlines Saturday night’s action, and while not everyone agrees on how serious of a contest it will be—especially considering Tyson’s age—it’s still drawing plenty of attention.
New forecast brings optimism for White House event
The UFC Freedom 250 main event sees Ilia Topuria defending his lightweight title against two-time interim champion Justin Gaethje, who’s still chasing his first undisputed crown.
In the co-main event, Alex Pereira tries to make history by becoming the first fighter to hold titles in three weight classes. Standing in his way is Ciryl Gane, with the interim heavyweight belt on the line.
Dana White has made it clear that unless there’s lightning, the fights will go ahead regardless of rain. Earlier this week, AccuWeather had given a 39% chance of thunderstorms for Sunday night, raising concerns.
But that outlook has shifted. The latest forecast from AccuWeather now calls for hot conditions with a mix of clouds and sun. Temperatures could climb as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit, with an extreme UV index of 11.0.
While this update is likely a relief for organisers worried about rain, it does mean fighters will have to deal with severe heat during their bouts.
After Rogan expressed concern about the outdoor setup, Sean O’Malley responded by pointing out that all fighters agreed to compete under those conditions when they signed up.
Justin Gaethje appears to be taking no chances though, incorporating sauna sessions into his training routine to help acclimate himself ahead of Sunday’s bout.
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