Topline
Podcast host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan once again criticized the upcoming UFC fight at the White House on his podcast Wednesday, suggesting the outdoor arena, which started construction this week, could leave fighters exposed to heat, rain or bugs.
Rogan has been a frequent critic of the upcoming UFC fight at the White House. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Zuffa LLC
Key Facts
Rogan, a frequent critic of the upcoming White House fight, said on his podcast Wednesday: “I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all,” calling the event “odd.”
The fight, billed “Freedom 250” to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, is slated to take place on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, which Rogan suggested could be too hot and cause fighters to become dehydrated.
Rogan said the weather on the same date in 2025 in Washington, D.C., was “hot as f—” (The average high in Washington on June 14 is 85 degrees, with a record high of 98, according to the National Weather Service).
“Build a roof,” Rogan said, saying fighters should not be fighting in events that aren’t in a controlled, air-conditioned arena, adding, “How are they going to f—ing do anything about the bugs?”
Despite repeatedly critiquing the event, Rogan has previously said on his podcast he will attend, and a Time report earlier this week said he will be calling the fight.
What Else Has Rogan Said About The White House Ufc Fight?
Rogan, who has been a frequent critic of the Iran war, said on a March episode of his podcast it is “weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f—ing war.” He also voiced concerns the event could be a safety hazard, saying, “Having this very high profile event where everyone’s in one place at one time right there… it seems like you’re asking for,” before trailing off. In another episode of his podcast in March, Rogan said he will “be there, but I’m not thrilled about it,” calling the event “kind of a gimmick.” He said the event will be a “security nightmare,” adding, “What if it rains? What if it’s hot?”
Tangent
Rogan’s comments about the White House fight mirror concerns UFC president Dana White raised in an interview with NPR last week. White said there are “so many different variables” that could impact the fight, like rain, lightning, heat or bugs. “There’s two things I hate. I hate stadiums, and even worse than a stadium is fighting outside,” White said. White is a noted supporter of President Donald Trump.
What Do We Know About The White House Ufc Arena?
Construction on the White House UFC arena began earlier this week, with cranes, scaffolding and other construction equipment popping up on the South Lawn. UFC released a rendering of the arena over the weekend, depicting thousands of seats surrounding a cage for the match, with the White House visible in the background. White, in an interview with Rolling Stone this week, said the arena is expected to seat over 4,000 people in the stands on the South Lawn, while another 85,000 will be able to watch on screens at the nearby Ellipse park.
Key Background
White has defended the fight from critics who have called it insensitive or a security concern to host the event amid the Iran war. White said the UFC “can’t just bend and break and roll over for every bad thing that happens in the world,” saying he’s “not going to not run my business” because of the Iran war or other crises. “There’s always bad things going on,” White told Rolling Stone. White also said the event is not political, telling Time in an interview this week he is “spending a sh–load of money to celebrate the 250th birthday of America.” He said his relationship with Trump is not about politics, and that the two do not talk about political issues together.
Further Reading
Dana White Defends White House UFC Fight Amid Iran War: ‘There’s Always Bad Things Going On’ (Forbes)
