Topline

President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated UFC bout taking place on his 80th birthday at the White House is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Sunday—but the possibility of volatile weather in the Washington, D.C., area, including potential thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and also the chance for swarms of insects, could put a damper on the festivities tonight.

Key Facts

BIG NUMBER

70%. That’s the chance of rain in Washington at 8 p.m., according to Capital Weather, with high humidity making the forecasted temperatures of the mid-80s at the time feel more like 90.

Will There Be Bugs?

“The three big problems, as far as I am seeing right now, are rain, lightning and a ton of bugs,” UFC CEO Dana White told the Hollywood Reporter in a profile earlier this month. White told the entertainment publication he previously attended a Rose Garden dinner in May where “clusters” of black gnats attacked guests. Speaking to the Boardroom podcast in May, White said he spoke to his head of production about the problem immediately after the dinner. “When you’re a fighter, think about that lighting grid,” White said. “The amount of power in the lights, moths, gnats, and god knows what else.” Later, he admitted dealing with issues like insects is “why I don’t like fighting outside, ever.” An entomologist who spoke to Axios said he expected a “100%” chance of bugs on Sunday night, including mosquitos, mayflies, moths and even possibly biting black flies.

Will The Fight Be Delayed?

Even with the potential for thunderstorms, it’s unlikely the White House or UFC is planning to reschedule the event. “I don’t care if it snows, rains, we’re going,” White told the Associated Press last week. “Even lightning. You guys all played sports when you were growing up. Whenever there was lightning, you’d sit the lightning out. When it was over, you played. That’s what we’ll do.” The White House did not immediately return a request for comment from Forbes, but blasted the Weather Channel for warning of a “chaotic weather setup,” saying the event would go on “rain or shine.”

Key Background

White, who has run the UFC since 2001, is a prominent Trump supporter, and has spoken at multiple rallies and events for the president. At the 2016 Republican National Convention, White cast Trump as a crucial ally for the sport in its early days. “In 2001 my partners and I bought the UFC and it was basically considered a blood sport. State athletic commissions didn’t support us, arenas around the world refused to host our events. Nobody took us seriously, nobody except Donald Trump.” White has remained a close ally to the president, and the Trump administration began planning a UFC bout on the White House lawn last year during his first year back in office. The National Park Service is reportedly using about $67 million in funds from national park entrance fees to pay for the event, the New York Times reported last month citing court filings.

Further Reading

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Topline

Jalen Brunson, the 29-year-old New York Knicks point guard, was named the NBA Finals MVP after the team won their first championship title in 53 years on Saturday night—but the team that ended the title drought only came together after Brunson left a massive amount of money on the table two years earlier.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“He understands what winning is about,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown said in an interview after the game on Saturday. “He took a pay cut that I wouldn’t take. Every time they would throw that number in front of me, I would say no, and I feel like I’m a great guy. He set the bar. That set the standard.”

Contra

Speaking to Vanity Fair for a profile in February, Brunson described his decision to take the smaller contract as a more personal decision. “I’ve seen players wait and then get hurt, and then they’re at the mercy of the organization,” Brunson said, noting he plays best when he has a “free mind” and not focusing on getting paid. “A lot of people say I sacrificed for the team,” Brunson added. “One hundred percent I sacrificed for the team. But most importantly, I made sure my family and I are taken care of.”

What to Watch For

In 2028, Brunson will be eligible to sign a new five-year contract, which could be worth up to $417.8 million, The Athletic reported in 2024. Brunson will turn 32 that year. “Obviously we’d love for them to do right by me,” Brunson told Vanity Fair in February. “I think anyone would. I feel like I sacrificed.”

Key Background

Brunson was a former McDonald’s All-American in high school, and became a breakout star for Villanova, leading the Wildcats to victory in the 2016 and 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournaments. Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks as the 33rd pick in the 2018 NBA draft, but eventually left for free agency after not receiving a $55 million contract extension in 2022—leading him to sign with the Knicks. Brunson once again became the breakout star in the resurgent Knicks over the last few years, which went on an incredible postseason run to win the team’s first championship since 1973. Brunson scored 45 points in game 5 on Saturday night, going 14 for 27 from the field and 13 for 15 from the free throw line.

Further Reading

https://www.forbes.com/sites/hanktucker/2026/06/13/james-dolans-knicks-just-won-the-nba-title-heres-how-he-made-his-fortune/

This article was originally published on Forbes.com