UFC at the White House preview: Expert picks, stor...
Key takeaways
- The setting is unlike any other in professional sports history, but will the fights themselves live up to the atmosphere?
- Before the lights go up on "the claw" on Sunday, here are the storylines, statistics and picks for the UFC Freedom 250 fights.
- Forecasts for Sunday evening in Washington have been all over the weather map, which surely cannot comfort Dana White.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
After nearly a year of planning and talk, 14 fighters are set to take their Octagon walks on Sunday from the White House to a custom-built stage on the South Lawn, where President Donald Trump and more than 4,000 other UFC fans will take in the fights.
The setting is unlike any other in professional sports history, but will the fights themselves live up to the atmosphere? If the weather (and the bugs!) cooperate, there is a chance fight history will be made in Washington. Two-time champion Alex Pereira is going for a third belt. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is fighting to keep his title -- and his undefeated record -- against one of the toughest outs in the game. And the experts are split on whether either outcome can happen.
Before the lights go up on "the claw" on Sunday, here are the storylines, statistics and picks for the UFC Freedom 250 fights.