UFC Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary in Washington, D.C.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) kicked off its weekend festivities marking America’s 250th anniversary with both official weigh-ins and a fan-centric event in Washington, D.C.

On Saturday evening, there will be a ceremonial weigh-in held at The Ellipse, a park situated near the White House, where fighters step onto the scale in front of gathered fans.

Earlier in the day, official weigh-ins took place. For the main event—a Lightweight Title Bout—undefeated champion Ilia Topuria from Georgia and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje from America both weighed in at 155 pounds.

Competing in the co-main event, the Interim Heavyweight Title Bout, Brazilian mixed martial artist Alex Pereira weighed 251 pounds, while his opponent, French fighter Ciryl Gane, weighed in at 248 pounds.

Both main events are planned for five rounds, with the rest of the fights set for three rounds each.

In the Bantamweight Bout, American Sean O’Malley weighed 135.5 pounds, and Canadian Aiemann Zahabi weighed in at 135 pounds. For the Heavyweight Bout, Josh Hokit from America weighed 231 pounds and Derrick Lewis tipped the scales at 256 pounds. Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy weighed in at 155 for his Lightweight Bout against American Michael Chandler, who was one pound heavier. In the Middleweight category, Americans Bo Nickal and Kyle Daukaus both weighed 186 pounds.

In the Featherweight Bout, American Steve Garcia and Brazilian Diego Lopes both weighed 146 pounds, although Lopes did a second weigh-in to stand by for the lightweight championship.

The UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest commenced in the afternoon at The Ellipse, described as an opportunity for fans to engage in immersive experiences, witness live shows featuring UFC athletes, and enjoy celebrity appearances.

While the event is free, attendees require tickets. Those who hold tickets for the Fan Fest will also gain entry to the ceremonial weigh-in.

Later, fans can look forward to a concert sponsored by Monster Energy featuring country artist Zac Brown. He is set to perform at the ceremonial weigh-in and will sing the National Anthem tomorrow alongside the Marine Corps band.

“This is patriotism, not politics for me,” Brown remarked in response to the criticism over his decision to participate in the event.