Joe Rogan has once again expressed serious concerns about the UFC’s planned event at the White House, questioning whether fighters should compete outdoors amid concerns about heat, insects, rain and the broader logistical complexities associated with the historic card.The longtime UFC commentator criticized the event during a recent podcast, admitting he’s still uncomfortable with the idea of ​​a major championship-level fight taking place outside the South Lawn of the White House.Rogan’s concerns come just days after UFC president Dana White himself acknowledged several unexpected production and environmental issues related to the event, including swarms of insects surrounding the venue.The card, officially titled “Freedom 250,” celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, scheduled for June 14 at the White House. Construction on the temporary stadium reportedly began earlier this week, with cranes, scaffolding and other heavy equipment appearing on the South Lawn as preparations ramp up.
Rogen questions the outdoors and extreme heat in Washington
Much of Rogan’s criticism focused on the weather conditions the fighters could face in Washington in mid-June.“Things in the White House are weird and I don’t like it,” Rogan said on the podcast. “I don’t like fighting outside at all. It’s June, it’s Washington, D.C., last time we checked. It’s like 100 degrees on the same day as last year. It’s hot as hell.”The average high temperature in Washington on June 14 was about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the all-time high for that day was 98 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Weather Service.Rogan believes championship-level matches can only be played in climate-controlled arenas rather than in unpredictable outdoor environments.“I just don’t think you should be in a world championship game in an uncontrolled environment,” Rogan said.“I think it should be in an air-conditioned arena. It should be a controlled environment. Just like you wouldn’t ask someone to play a world championship basketball game in the sun. That’s crazy. It’s like you’re playing in an air-conditioned arena. That’s how it should be. “
Rogen also worries about insects and production complications
In addition to the heat, Rogan questioned how organizers planned to deal with insects around the event’s anticipated lighting and production equipment.“Then the lights [could bring bugs]and then they were talking about using fans. Is that enough? Bug strips everywhere? what are you up to? Like, how do you stop these bugs? ” he said.
Equipment placed on the South Lawn of the White House is seen from the Washington Monument, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Washington. The UFC will host a mixed martial arts event on June 14 as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. (AP Photo/Mark Schiffelbein)
The UFC commentator has repeatedly criticized the White House card in recent months.In early March, Rogan questioned the timing of the event amid the ongoing conflict with Iran and expressed concerns about the security risks of hosting such a high-profile gathering at the White House.“I know that fighting in the White House in the middle of a f—ing war is going to be very high security and high pressure and weird,” Rogan said at the time.“I’m hoping the war will be resolved by June but I honestly don’t believe that’s going to be the case. So it’s going to be strange because it’s a very high-profile event and everyone is in one place at the same time.”In an earlier podcast appearance, Rogen described the event as “a gimmick” and admitted: “I’d be there, but I’m not excited about it.”Despite Rogan’s repeated criticism, Time magazine reported earlier this week that Rogan is still expected to serve as a commentator for the event.
Dana White admits mistakes have become a major problem
Interestingly, many of Rogan’s concerns are very similar to recent comments made by UFC President Dana White himself.Speech while attending the program Rich Kleiman’s Boardroom Last week, White revealed that insects had become a significant problem during an initial visit to the White House.“The amount of mosquitoes flying around … I was like, ‘Oh my God,'” White said after observing the South Lawn and Rose Garden areas.“These are the little details we have to think about. That’s why I don’t like fighting outside. Ever.”White explained that the large lighting structures planned for the event could attract more insects during broadcasts, which could cause problems for fighters and production crews inside the Octagon.The UFC is reportedly considering industrial fans and other technology solutions to reduce insect activity around cage areas.
White says there are too many variables in outdoor fights
In an interview with NPR last week, White also acknowledged the many environmental issues associated with hosting outdoor combat sports events.“I hate two things. I hate the stadium, and what’s worse than the stadium is the fighting outside,” White said.He added there were “a lot of different variables” that could affect the event, including rain, lightning, heat and bugs.While criticism surrounding the event has grown, White has repeatedly defended the UFC’s decision to move forward with the card.White insisted in an interview with Rolling Stone this week that promotions cannot be halted because of a global crisis or political tensions.White said the UFC “cannot buckle, crash and roll over because of every bad thing that happens in the world,” adding that he “will not stop running my business because of the Iran conflict or other international issues.”“Bad things happen all the time,” he told Rolling Stone .
White rejects political criticism surrounding incident
White also disputed claims that the event was politically motivated.White told Time magazine that he was “spending a lot of money to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.”He also said his friendship with President Donald Trump was not centered on politics and claimed the two would not discuss politics together.Renderings released by the UFC over the weekend show a large temporary arena setup with thousands of seats surrounding the Octagon, with the White House located directly behind the structure.
President Donald Trump holds up a picture depicting a preview of “The Big Fight” on the South Lawn on June 14 during a meeting with UFC fighters in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin)
White told Rolling Stone that the venue’s South Lawn is expected to accommodate more than 4,000 spectators, while a reported 85,000 more fans could watch the game on a big screen at the nearby Oval Park.The unusual setup has become one of the most scrutinized events in UFC history as organizers continue to grapple with the practical complications of weather, safety and outdoor production conditions.
