Jay Williams Prefers UFC Freedom 250 Over NBA Finals
Former NBA player Jay Williams was present at both UFC Freedom 250 and the NBA Finals last week. In his view, the gathering at the White House’s South Lawn was superior.
“I was there at a 4,000-seat arena for the UFC. Honestly, having played in several NBA Finals games, I found it to be a better event than the NBA Finals,” Williams shared during an ESPN segment with Stephen A. Smith. He seemed almost incredulous about the proximity of the White House.
Smith remarked after the event that the UFC show was a “must watch,” receiving praise from UFC President Dana White, who called it “amazing.”
Both Williams and Smith, who is among ESPN’s leading analysts, were commended for their candid assessment. Many in sports media hesitated to express anything positive, largely due to the event being linked to President Donald Trump’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
There may have been some discomfort among sports commentators—possibly due to an abundance of patriotism or a predominantly white audience. Former ESPN host Jemele Hill went so far as to compare the event to a Klan rally, labeling it “disgraceful and disgusting.”
It’s interesting, though—had the NBA organized a similar event during President Barack Obama’s administration, it might have drawn widespread praise from the same outlets.
Williams and Smith did well to set politics aside. The atmosphere was, indeed, special—something that Dana White confidently remarked is unlikely to be replicated.
“It was an incredible experience. Truly one of a kind,” White said post-event, noting that the UFC invested $60 million to erect a structure for the Octagon right on the South Lawn.
The evening also showcased the UFC’s status among American sports, with some suggesting that it has become the fourth most popular league in the U.S., surpassing the NHL and PGA.
That’s pretty remarkable for an organization that struggled for legitimacy when it started 32 years ago.
In the end, Williams seems right—UFC Freedom 250 may indeed have eclipsed the NBA Finals.
