Trump's 80th Birthday UFC Event Delayed by Severe Weather

A severe thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service delayed the UFC event planned for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday at the White House. Forecasters warned of hail, wind gusts up to 70 mph and lightning, prompting organizers to monitor conditions closely.

At 7:43 p.m., 17 minutes before the scheduled start, officials had not yet provided formal guidance on the delay. NBC reported that the pre-fight broadcast on Paramount+ began at 8 p.m., with the fights expected to start at 9 p.m., and a screen notice read “RAIN DELAY.”

"It seems likely we will start late, though the exact delay remains unclear. President Trump was scheduled to join the event at 7:45," reported Steven Nelson of the New York Post.

The president appeared on the South Lawn shortly before 8:30 p.m. alongside UFC CEO Dana White, described by NBC’s Andrew Greif as having a “stoic expression.” The Zac Brown Band performed the national anthem, accompanied by the Armed Forces Joint Chorus, while the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds flew overhead.

Sports reporter Heidi Androl, reporting from the event’s command center, said organizers were working with the National Weather Service and were primarily concerned about high winds and lightning. "I am told that if that happens, a shelter-in-place will be initiated," she said, noting that attendees on the South Lawn would move to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building if necessary.

More than 4,000 guests, including members of the president’s family, gathered for the seven-fight card. After the delay, the fights began shortly after 9 p.m., with Brazilian Diego Lopes knocking out American Steve Garcia in the opening bout.