Joe Rogan has once again voiced serious concerns about the UFC's planned White House event, questioning the wisdom of holding championship fights outdoors amid fears of extreme heat, insects, rain, and logistical complications. The longtime UFC commentator criticized the event during a recent episode of his podcast, admitting he remains uncomfortable with staging a major fight card outside on the White House South Lawn.
Rogan Questions Outdoor Setting and Extreme Washington Heat
Rogan focused much of his criticism on the weather conditions fighters could face in Washington during mid-June. "The White House thing is odd, I don't like it," Rogan said. "I don't like the idea of fighting outside at all. And then it's June, and it's DC, and we looked it up. Last year, the same day was like 100 degrees. That's hot as f--k." According to the National Weather Service, the average high temperature in Washington on June 14 is approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the record high stands at 98 degrees. Rogan argued that championship-level fights should take place in climate-controlled arenas. "I just don't think you should compete in a world championship fight in a non-controlled environment," he said. "It should be inside an air-conditioned arena. You don't ask someone to play a world championship basketball game outside in the sun."
Rogan Also Worried About Insects and Production Complications
Beyond the heat, Rogan questioned how organizers plan to handle insects attracted to lighting rigs. "And then the lights could bring bugs, and they were talking about using fans. Is that enough? With bug strips everywhere? How are you gonna stop the bugs?" he said. The UFC commentator has repeatedly criticized the White House card. In March, he questioned the timing amid the Iran conflict and raised security concerns. "I know it's going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a war," Rogan said. Despite his criticism, reports indicate Rogan is still expected to serve on commentary duty for the event.
Dana White Admits Bugs Have Become a Major Issue
Many of Rogan's concerns mirror comments by UFC president Dana White. Speaking on Boardroom with Rich Kleiman, White revealed insects had become a significant concern during preliminary visits. "The amount of gnats that were flying around... I'm like, 'Holy sh*t,'" White said. "These are all the little details we have to think about. That's why I don't like fighting outside. Ever." White explained that large lighting structures could attract more insects, potentially creating problems for fighters and production crews. The UFC is reportedly considering industrial fans and other solutions to reduce insect activity around the cage.
White Says Outdoor Fights Come With Too Many Variables
In an interview with NPR, White acknowledged many environmental complications. "There's two things I hate. I hate stadiums, and even worse than a stadium is fighting outside," he said, citing rain, lightning, extreme heat, and bugs. Despite growing criticism, White defended the decision to proceed. Speaking to Rolling Stone, he insisted the promotion cannot stop operating because of global crises. The UFC "can't just bend and break and roll over for every bad thing that happens in the world," White said. He also rejected claims that the event is politically motivated, stating he is "spending a sh--load of money to celebrate the 250th birthday of America." Renderings released by UFC show a large temporary arena with thousands of seats on the South Lawn. The venue is expected to hold more than 4,000 spectators, with another 85,000 watching on large screens at the nearby Ellipse park.
