Why was UFC Freedom 250 delayed? Real reason behind the White House card's time change
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC Freedom 250 was originally set to kick off at 8 PM ET
The most anticipated UFC card in history hit a weather-related snag before a single punch was thrown. UFC Freedom 250 has been pushed back by 1 hour and will now start at 9 PM ET, an hour later than originally planned.
Here is everything you need to know about why the historic White House card was delayed and what the updated schedule looks like.
Why was UFC Freedom 250 delayed?
The historic UFC White House event has been delayed due to extreme weather conditions in Washington, D.C. The event was slated to start on the South Lawn of the White House at 8 PM ET, but authorities were forced to reschedule it due to a massive summer storm hitting the region on fight day.
Official weather reports from The Weather Channel and AccuWeather showed a 60% to 70% chance of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain right during the main event window. The storm threat had been building all week, and a press conference promoting Freedom 250 earlier in the week had already faced a 45-minute delay due to thunderstorms.
What is the new UFC Freedom 250 start time?
Coverage of UFC Freedom 250 on Paramount+ began at 8:00 PM ET, but the first fight is now scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM ET, one hour later than originally planned.
What are UFC’s safety protocols for lightning?
UFC officials are closely monitoring weather conditions with the help of an on-site meteorologist. Under the promotion’s safety protocols, any lightning strike detected within an eight-mile radius of the White House will trigger an automatic 30-minute freeze on the entire event.
Fighters, officials, and staff would be moved indoors until conditions are deemed safe. The delay clock resets with every new lightning strike inside the restricted zone.
UFC Chief Content Officer Craig Borsari confirmed that if there is light to moderate rain with no lightning, the promotion will push forward with the fights.
Despite the time change, UFC CEO Dana White was defiant about the event going ahead. During the pre-fight press conference, White pledged to hold the event as planned in the face of rain, snow, or even lightning, saying: “The show goes on, on Sunday, no matter what happens.”
Is UFC Freedom 250 cancelled?
No. The event is going ahead no matter what, per UFC CEO Dana White, who stated: “We are fighting on Sunday night on the White House lawn no matter what.”
Where can I watch UFC Freedom 250?
UFC Freedom 250 coverage begins at 8:00 PM ET on Paramount+, with fights starting at 9:00 PM ET.
Why is UFC Freedom 250 held at the White House?
The White House card has been in the works since July 4 of last year, when President Trump publicly floated the idea and found a receptive audience in his friend, UFC CEO Dana White. The event was confirmed and its lineup announced in March 2026.
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