EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWASHINGTON -- The UFC's unprecedented UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House has kicked off with a weather delay.The UFC temporarily postponed its seven-fight card at the initial start time of 8 p.m. E.T. because of a series of thunderstorms moving in from West Virginia. According to the broadcast, any lightning strike within a six-mile radius would require 30 minutes of a shelter-in-place order, before the card could resume. Rain and wind are obvious factors, but the main concern is lightning. The weather is supposed to clear by 9 p.m. ET, according to the broadcast.All 14 fighters on the card were aware of the possibility of a delay. The card is headlined by a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. UFC CEO Dana White has vowed for the event to take place Sunday, which is President Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
