The first-ever UFC event hosted at the White House finally got under way after thunderstorms and lightning threatened to disrupt the historic night in Washington.
Dark clouds and flashes of lightning swept across the evening sky just as the opening fighters made their way to the Octagon, forcing organisers to delay the event for about an hour before action eventually began on the South Lawn.
US President Donald Trump made a dramatic entrance alongside UFC chief executive Dana White, walking from the White House toward the arena as military aircraft roared overhead.
The event, staged as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, also coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day, with supporters in attendance singing happy birthday to the president.
Around 4,300 invited guests attended the event inside the White House grounds, while tens of thousands of fans gathered at a nearby fan zone to follow the action.
The card featured seven bouts involving 14 fighters, with the headline clash set between Georgian-Spanish lightweight Ilia Topuria and American Justin Gaethje.
Trump sat cageside near Dana White and members of his family, including both of his sons. Senior administration officials were also present, among them FBI Director Kash Patel, who was seen enthusiastically reacting during the fights.
Fighters entered the arena accompanied by Medal of Honor recipients and first responders, adding to the patriotic atmosphere surrounding the spectacle.
Some competitors admitted they were stunned by the unusual setting.
“This is incredible,” said Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes, who became the first man to claim victory on the White House lawn.
Organisers reportedly spent around $60m (£45m) on the event, including preparations and an estimated $700,000 earmarked for repairs to the grass after the fights.
Towering above the arena was the massive “Claw”, a 92-foot steel structure weighing roughly 600 tonnes that overlooked the Octagon and surrounding seats.
Trump compared the structure to the Eiffel Tower, while repeatedly praising the UFC as “the greatest show on Earth”.
The event also served as a major milestone for the UFC, which has evolved from a sport once criticised as “human cockfighting” by politicians into a mainstream entertainment powerhouse now showcased at the presidential residence.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently described the UFC as the “definition of American soft diplomatic power” while unveiling a partnership designed to use the promotion as a diplomatic tool overseas.
Despite the spectacle, the event sparked criticism and legal challenges in the days leading up to fight night.
A lawsuit filed by two Virginia residents sought to block the event, arguing that it represented a conflict of interest because of Trump’s close relationship with Dana White and the UFC.
The complaint also questioned approvals surrounding a weigh-in event held near the Lincoln Memorial.
However, a judge rejected the emergency request to stop the fights, allowing the event to proceed as planned. The White House later dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous”.
Public reaction to the event appeared divided. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released ahead of the fights showed that only 16% of Americans believed it was appropriate to stage a UFC event at the White House, while 46% opposed the idea.
Extreme weather remained a concern throughout the day, with temperatures climbing above 90F (33C) alongside intense humidity and forecasts warning of thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning.
Reports also suggested mosquitoes and gnats could become a nuisance for fighters and fans because of the summer conditions in Washington.
Officials had earlier delayed a pre-fight news conference at the Lincoln Memorial because of bad weather and urged spectators to seek shelter.
