"Looks like it's going to ruin Trump's 80th birthday party." UFC White House outdoor event faces cancellation crisis due to "heavy rain and swarms of insects"

*This content was translated by AI.

Dana White (57), president of UFC, admitted that the special event scheduled to take place at the White House this weekend could be canceled due to the weather.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 9th (Korean time) that "UFC's ambitious 'UFC Freedom 250' White House event is facing cancellation due to severe weather."

Ilya Topuria (Georgia), the UFC lightweight (70.3kg) champion, and Justin Gaethje (U.S.) are set to face off in the main event of 'UFC Freedom 250' at the White House in Washington, D.C., on the 15th. This marks the first-ever White House event main event in history.

The day also coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The media reported, "The historic event will be held on the South Lawn of the White House. Organizers plan to construct a special stadium with 5,000 seats and install a large canopy roof approximately 26.5 meters high above the octagon."

However, worsening weather has become a major obstacle. The probability of rain at the start of the event is forecast at 39%, and severe weather accompanied by lightning is expected not only in the days leading up to the event but also on the night of the event itself.

In an interview with the local media outlet "The Hollywood Reporter," President White stated, "The three biggest concerns right now are rain, lightning, and swarms of insects." He continued, "Due to the massive structures and bright lights, mosquitoes, moths, and even bats could fly into the octagon. We must prepare for all these unpredictable variables ahead of the event."

This marks the first time UFC has held an official outdoor event since 'UFC 112' in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 16 years ago.

Meanwhile, Topuria, with a perfect record of 17 wins and no losses, has emerged as a next-generation star after defeating Volkanovski, Holloway, and Oliveira. An all-around fighter skilled in both striking and jiu-jitsu, he is considered a strong favorite due to his exceptional aggression and accuracy. While Gaethje's veteran experience is formidable, the prevailing assessment is that Topuria, who has been on a terrifying upward trajectory recently, will have the upper hand in terms of performance.

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*This content was translated by AI.