The octagon has been installed on the South Lawn of the White House ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, with production chief Craig Borsari outlining how the event will handle poor weather conditions.
Borsari told reporters in Washington that the team has clear protocols for rain.
If we have light to moderate rain with no lightning, we’re going to try to push forward. That canopy will help, it’s more floor seating maybe a couple of rows up, the bleacher packs, there are people that will get wet, and to be honest, it’s so high up that if we’ve got a bit of a breeze, the rain will start to creep inside that 100-foot diameter.
He acknowledged the possibility of a pause but expressed confidence in completing the card.
Dana White has said on multiple occasions that the UFC is footing the bill and expects to take a net loss, viewing the prestige of the event as worth the cost. President Trump has suggested the claw structure could remain on the South Lawn past this weekend.
UFC Freedom 250 is headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the unified lightweight title.