Anti-Trump protests erupt outside White House ahead of UFC Freedom 250 while thousands of MMA fans wait in massive lines for President's birthday extravaganza

Thousands of fight fans and many protestors have descended on Washington DC ahead of the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House, where demonstrators have taken aim at President Donald Trump. 

The historic fight night is set to take place Sunday evening on the White House's South Lawn as Trump turns 80 with another appearance alongside his close ally, MMA promoter Dana White. Meanwhile, outside the White House, angry protestors are attacking Trump over his immigration policy, allegations of corruption, and the war with Iran, which the President once again claimed to have ended on Sunday. 

'Congratulations to all!' he wrote on social media, without providing details about the deal to open the Strait of Hormuz. He added, 'Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!' 

To celebrate Trump's 80th birthday and the country's 250th, White's UFC claims to have spent $60 million on this weekend's festivities, which the President billed as 'the greatest show on earth.' 

UFC fans and patriots alike jumped at the chance to claim some real estate at the Ellipse as they arrived at the promotion's fan fest hours before the fighters were slated to take to the Octagon on the South Lawn. 

The President will, of course, take center stage on Sunday. Trump is planning to walk out of the White House surrounded by cabinet leaders, top administration officials, Republican lawmakers and 4,000-plus spectators screaming themselves hoarse. 

And all of this will take place in a temporary, newly constructed arena under 'The Claw,' a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with lighting, sound equipment and large screens. 

As for the thousands waiting in line hours before the opening fight, they were will be watching on big screens from the nearby Ellipse.  

'This event is a one of one event, incredible event. I love it,' White, a close friend of the President, during a Friday night hype session at the Lincoln Memorial. 

The weather for Sunday's event remains a potential threat, not that the White House wants to hear it.

According to The Weather Channel, there is a 60-percent chance of thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy downpours and wind gusts of up to 34 mph. The network shared the news in a post with a graphic reading: 'Rain, 30mph winds and mosquitos on the White House lawn.'

White House spokespeople responded under their @RapidResponse47 handle on X.

'This event is about celebrating America's unmatched greatness after 250 years — which apparently doesn't sit well with the friendless loser who wrote this bulls*** clickbait headline.

'Rain or shine, we're celebrating our great country no matter what. GOD BLESS AMERICA!'

For his part, White has shared the same belief that Sunday's show will proceed regardless of the weather in Washington.  

There will be two title fights taking place on Paramount’s premium streaming service, Paramount+: Brazil’s Alex Pereira against France’s Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title and Spanish-Georgian lightweight champion Ilia Topuria against interim champ, American Justin Gaethje.

The night’s other bouts include recent challengers Michael Chandler, Derrick Lewis and former 135-pound champion Sean O'Malley.

The bout represents another in the long history between White and Trump, who began hosting the MMA promotion’s events at the since-shuttered Trump Taj Mahal back in 2001.

Since then, White has introduced Trump at three separate Republican National Conventions and was even present at the recent White House Correspondents' Association dinner that was interrupted by an attempted assassin.

Many UFC fighters have professed their love and admiration for Trump, including Jon Jones, Colby Covington, Conor McGregor and Gaethje. UFC undisputed middleweight champion Sean Strickland was a major MAGA supporter, but now claims he was banned from Sunday’s event over his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as Trump’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

'UFC at the White House with [Netanyahu] in the audience. Straight slop,' Strickland wrote on Instagram earlier this month.

'To be fair, they did ban me,' Strickland continued. 'But when you make fun of the leaders of America, they tend to be a little bit petty. By leaders, I mean Israel.'

Strickland wasn't finished. Asked directly why he wouldn't be in attendance at UFC Freedom 250, Strickland put a finer point on it: 'I made fun of Israel and Epstein.'

He then added: 'The only male American champ banned at the White House because I said Trump is owned by [Netanyahu]. That's not public opinion, it's fact.'

Later, in a video posted on X, Strickland claimed UFC staff called him to say the White House did not clear his attendance at UFC Freedom 250.