Trump hosts UFC cage fight on the White House lawn

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House is underway, after lightning tore across the evening sky as the first two fighters walked out into the ring.

The championship, the first ever professional sporting event held at the presidential residence, had been threatened by thunderstorms for much of the day – but went ahead despite initial delays.

It opened with US President Donald Trump walking from the White House to the arena along Dana White, chief executive of the UFC. Military planes then flew overhead.

About 4,300 people were expected at the invite-only mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn, with another 85,000 expected at a nearby fan zone.

A weather forecast that included the air thickening to humidity exceeding 70%, temperatures hovering around 80F (27C), and winds gusting through the area, meant the action was put off for an hour. Its original start time was 20:00 EDT (midnight GMT, 01:00 BST).

The event coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, which is also Flag Day, and is part of celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. The crowd sang happy birthday to the president.

The seven-bout card was arranged between Trump and his longstanding friend Dana White, UFC president.

Trump was seated directly next to the Octagon, near White and several members of the Trump family. Both his sons were in attendance. Other administration figures present included FBI Director Kash Patel, who was cheering loudly from his seat.