Trump UFC fight live: Melania and Barron settle in as White House cage matches go on despite rain delay fears

Trump and Dana White arrive on White House balcony to attend UFC Freedom FightTonight’s UFC Freedom 250 event has officially kicked off at the White House, following concerns that severe weather could complicate the event. President Donald Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday today, was joined by UFC CEO Dana White as he greeted the massive crowd gathered on the South Lawn around 8:30 p.m.

local time. The first fight kicked off about twenty minutes later.Several Trump family members were spotted in the crowd, including first lady Melania Trump and the president’s youngest son, Barron Trump.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Washington and the surrounding states until 11 p.m. local time, with forecasters warning of possible hail, wind gusts up to 70 mph and frequent lightning.

Earlier Sunday, White House Rapid Response team declared the celebrations would continue “rain or shine.”More than 4,000 people have gathered at the White House in a massive structure called the “Claw.” A large crowd has also formed at The Ellipse, a nearby park where fans can watch the fights on massive screens.

Earlier this week, the Public Integrity Project filed a lawsuit attempting to stop the UFC event, which it called “deeply corrupt.” A federal judge declined to block the event in a ruling issued Friday. RecommendedFirst look inside the UFC 250 octagon on the White House lawn ahead of Trump’s 80th birthday fightMAGA’s least favorite beer is all over Trump’s Octagon ahead of White House UFCMajority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s UFC birthday cage fightTrump eclipsing America 250 with his own birthday celebration is exactly what we deserveTrump family's crypto company pays fighter bonusesWorld Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency company co-founded by members of the Trump family, is paying out bonuses to fighters at tonight’s UFC Freedom 250 event.

The company is the “Presenting Partner of a new $250,000 Performance of the Night bonus pool, which will be awarded to UFC athletes selected for standout performances during the event,” according to a UFC press release.“The bonuses will be paid in USD1, World Liberty Financial's U.S.

dollar-backed, compliant stablecoin and one of the fastest-growing stablecoins on the market,” the release said.Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 03:16Eric Trump calls out ‘AI generated screenshots’ after post claims he asked UFC Freedom 250 commentator if fights were ‘rigged’Eric Trump forcefully denied online allegations that he sought insider information about the UFC Freedom 250 event being held Sunday at the White House.Keep reading:Eric Trump refutes claim he asked UFC Freedom 250 commentator if fights were ‘rigged’His denials came as the combat spectacle unfolded on the South Lawn of the White HouseBrendan Rascius 15 June 2026 02:59Trump greets Bo Nickal after his victory over Kyle DaukausPresident Donald Trump greeted celebrated fighter Bo Nickal ringside after he knocked out his opponent, Kyle Daukaus.

“It feels amazing. First and foremost, I’ve gotta thank President Trump for making this happen, thank you Dana, all the UFC,” Nickal said following his victory.“This is unbelievable.

It takes such a special person to have the balls to do something like this, I have so much respect for him,” he added.Kyle Daukaus (left) fights Bo Nickal at the White House (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 02:38Hegseth greets troops at UFC eventFCC Chair Brendan Carr captured a brief video of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaking with a group of excited troops at the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event.Watch below:Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 02:31Trump family members spotted in crowdSeveral members of President Donald Trump’s family were spotted in the crowd for tonight’s UFC event at the White House.

That includes the president’s sons, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Barron Trump. First lady Melania Trump was also spotted sitting with the president.

Donald Trump and his family members attend tonight's UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn (AFP via Getty Images)Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 01:59First fight kicks offTonight’s first fight has kicked off on the White House South Lawn.Mexico’s Diego Lopes is facing off against Steve Garcia. The fight began shortly before 9 p.

m. local time, amid concerns that severe weather could impact tonight’s event.Katie Hawkinson15 June 2026 01:54Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret ServiceUFC champion Sean Strickland has seemingly been removed from a UFC White House fan festival by the Secret Service, after he turned up despite claiming to be banned.

Keep reading:Banned UFC fighter removed from White House event by US Secret ServiceMiddleweight champion Sean Strickland, one of the UFC’s most controversial fighters, claimed he was banned from this week’s events – before photos were taken of him being escorted off the groundsAlex Pattle15 June 2026 01:38Donald Trump and Dana White make grand entrancePresident D