WASHINGTON — UFC’s Freedom 250 sustained its first notable disruption Friday as an evening thunderstorm postponed the start of a long-planned press conference on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
The high-profile event at one of the nation’s most hallowed landmarks—originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and part of a series of events leading up to Sunday’s fight card at the White House South Lawn—ultimately began at 9:15 p.m.
Once underway, though, the unorthodox session featured plenty of the bravado and bluster that has marked much of the history of the mixed-martial arts promotion.
“This is a one-of-one, an incredible event,” said UFC president Dana White. “I love it.”
Assembled Masses
White was joined directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial—first constructed in 1922 to honor the 16th U.S. president and the entry of the states into the union —by the fighters competing in the seven bouts on Sunday. Headlining that slate is a lightweight championship match between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, who frequently traded insults during the evening.
“Of course, fighting is personal,” Gaethje said, referencing an enmity he holds for Topuria. “We’re trying to fucking beat each other up. None of you guys understand how serious it is. Only we understand. You could never dream of taking these chances, taking these risks.”
Outside of the controlled space for UFC personnel, credentialed press, and invited guests, thousands of fans gathered around the reflecting pool to take in the proceedings. That lively throng chanted and cheered throughout a question-and-answer session that began in fairly conventional fashion, despite the unconventional setting.
Heavyweight Josh Hokit, however, then veered frequently into an Andy Kaufman-style performance art vibe, a situation that at times threatened to derail the entire session, but is customary for him. Hokit interjected himself into nearly every question, even if directed at White or the other fighters, eventually prompting Topuria to exclaim, “Just shut up!”
After about 40 minutes, White abruptly ended the press conference.
“I think Topuria’s so mad, he’s so short he can’t see himself in the bathroom mirror,” Hokit said in one typically bizarre rant. “And he married a stripper from Miami.”
Weather Weariness
White, meanwhile, already showed some fatigue from having to contend with weather factors in these rare outdoor events for UFC. Sunday’s forecast for Freedom 250 shows a similarly unsettled outlook, though the fights are set to proceed regardless.
“I’m sick and tired of hearing about the weather and all the other bullshit surrounding this event,” White said. “We are fighting on Sunday night on the White House [South] Lawn, no matter what.”
The Lincoln Memorial event also unfolded as UFC enjoyed a legal win earlier Friday regarding Freedom 250. Even as it wasn’t a party to a lawsuit challenging approvals around the showcase, a U.S. District Court rejected a petition to halt the upcoming fight card with a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.
