UFC fans were left emotional after a stunning performance of the American national anthem kicked off a historic night of fights at the White House.
The promotion staged UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn in Washington DC, with the event marking a huge celebration for the United States.
The UFC fight card was to honour the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.
President Donald Trump, who turned 80 on Sunday, was in attendance for the landmark card and stood alongside UFC boss Dana White before the action got underway.
And the night opened in spectacular fashion as the Zac Brown Band performed The Star-Spangled Banner.
Trump was seen saluting during the anthem as the crowd watched on during the patriotic scenes.
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The performance was followed by a dramatic flyover while music blasted around the White House grounds.
Viewers watching from home were quick to flood social media with praise for the emotional opening ceremony.
One fan said on X, “Zac Brown Band performance with the flyover gave me chills!
“Nothing better than hearing our National Anthem sung with real heart and pride while our military flies overhead.
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“One of the best renditions ever.”
Another posted, “You can’t watch this and not get goosebumps.”
A third added, “As a choir-singer and musician, this was probably the best rendition of our national anthem I’ve heard in years.
“That back-up choir was totally awesome. Course the flyover didn’t hurt either!”
The memorable introduction set the stage for a blockbuster night inside the Octagon.
Justin Gaethje produced a career-defining performance as he stunned Ilia Topuria to become undisputed lightweight champion.
Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane shocked fans by knocking out Alex Pereira and setting up another potential showdown with Britain’s Tom Aspinall.
