If you’re just joining us, President Donald Trump is holding an 80th birthday party like no other on the South Lawn of the White House – UFC Freedom 250 – an event given equal billing as a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
It’s now approaching midnight in the eastern US, and thousands of spectators gathered in the fan zone adjacent to the main arena have seen five fights, punctuated by military tributes, crypto and energy drink ads and a rendition of Y.M.C.A. by a Marine Corps band. The night’s biggest bouts are still to come.
The event kicked off just before 8.30pm in Washington, with Trump and UFC president Dana White walking through the White House to the 4300-seat “claw” arena, which is mainly occupied by invited VIPs and members of the US armed forces. Storms that threatened to cause delays have held off.
