The UFC staged “Freedom 250” on the White House South Lawn, with Justin Gaethje winning the undisputed lightweight title as President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday. The event drew praise from fans and criticism over sponsors, business ties and the use of White House grounds for a private sporting event.
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The White House will host its first UFC event Sunday, with Ilia Topuria facing Justin Gaethje on the South Lawn as storms threaten the evening schedule. A judge rejected a last-minute lawsuit seeking to block the fight, which coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The Knicks’ first NBA championship since 1973 drew celebrations across New York, but police said violence in Manhattan left a 17-year-old shot, five buses destroyed and 63 people arrested. A parade and City Hall ceremony are scheduled for Thursday.
Jalen Brunson scored 45 points and won finals MVP as the Knicks beat the Spurs 94-90 to claim their first NBA championship in 53 years. New York rallied from a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to clinch the series in five games.
Former San Francisco 49ers All-Pro pass rusher Aldon Smith has died at 36, the team said Saturday. Smith set a 49ers single-season sack record in 2012 before suspensions and legal issues disrupted his NFL career.
Ticketmaster and the Spurs said previously purchased tickets for Knicks fans will be honored despite a 150-mile purchase restriction for Game 5 in San Antonio. New York officials had criticized the policy after fans feared they would be shut out of the NBA Finals game.
Equipment stolen from England’s World Cup team during transport from Florida to Kansas City has been recovered, the BBC reported. Police said two people were taken into custody as local, state and federal authorities investigated the theft.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested early Saturday in Harris County, Texas, on a misdemeanor unlawful weapons charge after police said a handgun was seen in his vehicle. He was released from custody and is due in court June 22.