In just seven days, the UFC is scheduled to host their much publicised event at the White House, home of the President of the United States, Donald Trump. However, recent news has emerged which could threaten the card.

Trump will be celebrating his 80th birthday on the same day as the event, which is being branded as UFC Freedom 250. The President is a long-time ally of the UFC and its CEO, Dana White, having helped the promotion in the early days of Dana’s ownership by hosting UFC 30 and 31 in The Trump Taj Mahal, now known as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.

Naturally, the event has proven controversial, with some arguing that the UFC shouldn’t be mixing sport and politics. The world’s leading MMA promotion has been undeterred, though, booking a stacked card for the landmark event.

UFC Freedom 250 Fight Card Explored

The card will be headlined by the clash for the undisputed UFC lightweight title between undefeated Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Also featured will be a collision between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight strap.

There will also be high-level bantamweight action as “Suga” Sean O’ Malley faces Aiemann Zahabi. Further down the card, much-loved MMA veterans Derrick Lewis and Michael Chandler also have bouts.

The event, which Trump has compared to the opening of the Eiffel Tower, has reportedly cost well over $60 million to put together. Those lucky enough to be given access inside the gates will total 4,300 people, while an additional 100,000 fans will watch on a big screen from nearby Ellipse Park.

Unfortunately, the heavily sought-after 4,300 tickets weren’t available to the public. Instead, they’ve been split amongst White House staff, UFC officials, officials of the UFC’s parent company, TKO, and members of the military, who themselves have to meet size requirements to get hold of a ticket, with preference given to junior service personnel who are genuine UFC fans.

The Major Issue Facing UFC Freedom 250

Unfortunately for both the UFC and President Trump, it now appears that there is a genuine chance that the card could be prevented from taking place.

When speaking about the event previously, White was clear that only one thing would stop UFC Freedom 250 from happening.

“We’ve gone over this, you know. If it rains, we’re going. If it snows, we’re going. The only thing that will stop us is lightning.”

The challenge of predicting the weather forecast can often make it a cruel mistress. There is always a chance that the heavens open and severely affect the running of an event or even cancel it entirely.

Regrettably for the veteran matchmaker, lightning is exactly what the UFC could face next Sunday, according to the long range weather forecast.

Per Accuweather, there is a 65% chance of rain on the day of the card, which would be bad enough for an outdoor event. Most concerningly, though, there is a 39% chance of thunderstorms.

In the event of a thunderstorm, the company would be obligated to suspend the show. It is not believed that there is a reserve location where the fights could take place.

For now, Dana is receiving regular updates from the military as the UFC hope to avoid the worst-case scenario.

“We’re working with the military. The military knows the weather ten days out, and they’ll notify us every two hours, ten days out, seven days out, they’ll notify us every hour.”

The UFC boss looks set for a nervous week ahead of arguably the biggest show that he will ever promote.

Manchester United are ramping up their summer transfer activity, as the club look to equip Michael Carrick with more quality options in his squad.

The midfield is an area of particular focus, with Ederson set to join from Atalanta, while several other stars are being considered for the central ranks to help bring some ball-playing quality to the team.

Premier League quality appears to be the main consideration, with players who have shown they are capable of performing at the top level.

While Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson have all been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, it could be another midfield ace who makes their way to Man United, if reports are to be believed.

Mateus Fernandes To Man United Latest

Among the whole plethora of midfielders available to Man United this summer, links surrounding a move for Mateus Fernandes have persisted.

The Portuguese star impressed during spells for Southampton and West Ham, and with the latter’s recent relegation from the Premier League, the Red Devils are among a whole host of teams eyeing a potential deal.

Reports have suggested that a move could be close, even with the Hammers placing an £80 million price tag on Fernandes in the summer transfer market.

Amid those reports, journalist Shaun Connolly has claimed that talks are ongoing between all parties, with the player’s agents described as “confident” that a deal will go through.

It would represent a second move in the midfield department for Man United and Carrick, getting a problem position whipped into shape early in the market.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck for below the quoted price, however, which may allow the club to look elsewhere in the window for other positions.

With the increase in games due to Champions League qualification, it’s clear that the Old Trafford outfit will need even more reinforcements.

What Man United Need To Do Next

If Man United do indeed land both Ederson and Fernandes in the coming weeks, then attention can quickly turn towards the next moves in the market.

A left-back has to be the next priority, offering some much-needed competition to Luke Shaw in that position, especially following Tyrell Malacia’s recent exit.

Beyond that, the club may then look at some sales to raise funds further, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana, and Altay Bayindir all needing to clarify their futures.

Money raised from that can then be invested in other areas, with perhaps another midfielder on the cards, or even a versatile forward who can challenge the existing options.

It’s shaping up to be a promising summer transfer window for the club, with early business indicating that plans are being put into place and executed quickly.

A sporting director has just spoken out to confirm that he wants to sign a Liverpool star in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are entering a new era after it was confirmed that Andoni Iraola has been appointed as their manager.

The hierarchy will likely look to back him in the transfer market, but the reality is that some players may have to leave the club after they spent significantly last summer.

Liverpool are already losing Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson this summer, with all three departing on free transfers.

As a result, the Merseyside club may need to fetch in transfer fees by selling some of their other stars in order to allow them to continue investing in the playing squad.

Sporting Director Confirms Interest in Liverpool Star

Inter Milan’s sporting director Piero Ausilio has confirmed that the Italian club are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the summer transfer window.

Inter have been heavily linked with a move to sign Jones this summer, with suggestions of a swap deal even mentioned.

Jones has struggled to cement himself as a guaranteed starter for Liverpool, but it will be interesting to see whether he’s more suited to new manager Iraola.

Either way, it seems that a departure is possible in the coming weeks and months.

Federico Chiesa Confirms Jones News

Speaking earlier this week, another Liverpool player, Federico Chiesa, has confirmed that Jones has been asking him about life in Italy.

That certainly has added more fuel to the fire that Jones could be heading to Inter Milan, with Chiesa even mentioning the Italian club.

It’s rare that players speak out about potential exits for their teammates, but Chiesa himself has been linked with a departure heading into the summer transfer window.