The Octagon girl outfits for the UFC Freedom 250 event have been revealed to much online criticism.

The UFC Freedom 250 card is set to be part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States’ Independence and will take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington DC.

As preparations are well underway for Sunday’s card, the reveal of the outfits has faced much criticism online.

One critic of the outfits said: “Perfectly tacky and on brand.”

Another noted: “I couldn’t care less about the Octagon girls, but these outfits are so stupid.”

However, the clothing received some plaudits online, with one UFC fan saying: “UFC went full patriotic mode and the Octagon girls delivered perfectly. Most iconic fight week setup ever.”

While the UFC Octagon girl outfits have faced jeers online, the whole event has been embroiled in controversy as a lawsuit has been filed to label it “unlawful” in an attempt to stop it from going ahead.

Lawsuit Filed About UFC White House Event

The lawsuit was filed by the Public Integrity Project, a self-described anti-corruption law firm based in Washington and is led by former democrat senator Russ Feingold.

The group is arguing that Trump and the UFC believe they do not need to apply for a permit to use the National Mall as a part of the event, conduct an environmental review, or receive approval to build the stage on the South Lawn, because the event is a part of the anniversary celebrations.

If the event does go ahead as planned and expected, the card is set to have some blockbuster clashes, with the UFC claiming the fight night is “the most impressive collection of fights put together by the promotion since UFC 300, with every match-up carrying divisional significance.”

UFC Freedom 250

The UFC Freedom 250 card features Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje topping the bill for the undisputed lightweight title. The former moved up to the lightweight division last year and knocked out Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt. He is not just putting his title on the line, either, but also his 17-0 undefeated record.

Elsewhere, Alex Pereira will be looking to make history by winning the interim heavyweight title and become the first person to win UFC gold in three weight divisions. He will be taking on a tough challenge in Ciryl Gane for the title, who has been a staple in the heavyweight division since 2021, with infamous clashes with Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones, and Tom Aspinall.

One F1 driver has been accused of ‘throwing in the towel’ on his season following a very underwhelming Monaco GP performance.

The streets of Monte Carlo delivered a dramatic race which saw Kimi Antonelli clinch his fifth consecutive victory of the 2026 season at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Italian’s impressive displays and string of victories see him sitting pretty with a healthy 66-point lead over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton in second place.

F1 Driver’s Mentality Called Into Question

However, one driver who has not been performing to his full potential has been accused of ‘throwing in the towel’ following his comments after the race.

George Russell headed into the 2026 Formula 1 season as the favourite to win the Drivers’ Championship and proved his title-winning credentials by claiming victory at the season opener in Melbourne, Australia.

Russell has not been able to kick on from his opening victory and his fellow Mercedes driver, Kimi Antonelli, has won five races in a row since then, sitting top of the standings, whilst the 28-year-old is slumped down in third place – 68 points adrift of his teammate.

His poor performances continued in Monaco as he received a drive-through penalty and finished outside the points in 13th place, failing to close the gap on Antonelli.

Speaking after the Canada Grand Prix, Russell stated that the title is now Antonelli’s ‘to lose’, a statement which did not go down well with ex-F1 driver Christian Fittipaldi.

The Brazilian, who drove for Minardi and Footwork Arrows during his F1 career, stated that Russell’s comments “weren’t right” and made him sound like he was ‘throwing in the towel’.

Speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, Fittipaldi said: “I personally think he’s throwing in the towel.

“There were several moments during the weekend where I thought, oh, I think he’s going to give that kid a piece of his mind.

Russell’s comments have sparked questions about the Brit’s ambition and belief in himself with 16 races and plenty of points still up for grabs.

He has admitted he is in a ‘very weird state of mind’ following a run of bad luck and performances which are sure to have knocked his confidence.

“I still very much believe in myself and that we’re going to be fighting for race wins until the end of the year, but right now, it is tough.”

Russell’s current performance so far this season has been so underwhelming that it could even see his Mercedes contract rendered void. Unless he can turn a corner, the 2026 campaign could be a long one for the Brit.

Fans could be fined for displaying an England flag at their homes during the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions are looking to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy at this summer’s tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are one of the favourites to win the competition, with the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice featuring in a very talented side.

England have been placed in Group L, where they will face Croatia (Wednesday, June 17), Ghana (Tuesday, June 23) and Panama (Saturday, June 27).

There will be a real belief among England supporters that Tuchel can lead their side to glory this summer.

As is the case with every tournament, thousands of patriotic Three Lions fans will fly England flags at their homes to show their support. However, those wishing to do so will have to follow certain rules when it comes to flying the flag on a flagpole, and they could be punished if they aren’t followed.

Government Rules For Flying Flags

Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

Per the Sun, only one flag on a vertical flagpole attached to the roof of a building is permitted, according to the Government’s Flying Flags Guide.

Flags attached to the sides of buildings must be smaller than two square meters in size. Those wanting to fly a larger flag must attach it to the roof of the building.

Flags can also not be displayed alongside any advertising, additional text or logos and can’t obstruct official transport signage.

Small flags hung from the likes of windows and bunting displaying the England flag are permitted. While individuals would have to get permission from the council if they want to hang flags on street furniture, including lamp posts.

The guidelines read as follows: “Two flags on the same flagpole projecting from any part of a building are permitted provided one of the flags is from category (a) (flags which do not need consent) such as a national flag and that flag is flown in the superior position.

“Otherwise, only one flag on a projecting flagpole on a building is permitted. The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size.”

The council can request a flag to be removed if the rules are broken. If those requests from the council are refused, charges start at £100, while repeat offences can lead to fines of up to £2,500.

Over 2,300 England Fans Banned From Travelling to the World Cup

Carl Recine via Reuters

According to Sky Sports, around 65,000 fans are expected to travel from the UK to the World Cup. Over 2,300 people with football banning orders (FBOs) will be prevented from travelling to North America during the tournament, though.

Sarah Jones, crime and policing minister, said: “The vast majority of football fans travel to support their team with pride and respect.

“But for the small minority of thugs who have let the side down in the past, we are clear: you are not welcome at this World Cup.

“Banning those with a history of disorder helps protect both local communities and the thousands of fans who simply want to enjoy the games. Our tough action means genuine fans can cheer on their teams safely and without being disrupted.

“For fans staying closer to home, we’ve put in place longer pub opening hours meaning more time to come together and back the home nations – right through to the final whistle and beyond.”