Guide to Watching UFC Freedom 250: Key Things to Look Out For

UFC is making history by holding its first event on the White House South Lawn, timed perfectly for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The exciting UFC Freedom 250 is set for Sunday night, featuring a star-studded lineup.

UFC CEO Dana White, a longtime friend of the president, has been in talks for over a year to bring mixed martial arts to the White House. White’s relationship with UFC dates back to its early days when he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. The event will feature thousands of temporary seats surrounding the cage and stage, with ringside space for a full marching band to set the tone with lively music. The National Anthem will be performed by the Zac Brown Band.

In addition to the UFC event, there will be a series of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, including an IndyCar race passing by the White House.

For those eager to watch UFC Freedom 250, the main card will be live on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. While there were talks of a TV simulcast on CBS, the event will only be available on the subscription service domestically. Paramount+ became the new home for UFC events across the United States, moving away from the traditional pay-per-view model to reach more MMA fans nationwide. Subscription plans for Paramount+ start at $8.99 a month.

The fight card has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans calling it underwhelming. The main attractions include Brazil’s Alex Pereira facing off against France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title. The Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, will battle interim champ Justin Gaethje, one of the only two Americans holding UFC championship belts. The main card also features other exciting matchups with former title-fight participants and champion fighters.

Rain or shine, the outdoor event will go on as planned, with thousands expected to watch at the Ellipse, a public park near the White House. The forecast predicts rain showers early, with overcast skies later in the evening and temperatures around 70 degrees during the fights.

Don’t miss this historic event on Sunday night as UFC makes its mark at the White House with UFC Freedom 250!