Joe Rogan, the renowned UFC commentator, has voiced his concerns about the upcoming UFC White House event being held outdoors. The landmark event is scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump's birthday.
Rogan's Scepticism
During a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan expressed his unease about the outdoor setting. "The White House thing is odd," he said. "I don't like the idea of fighting outside at all. June in D.C. could be 100 degrees, and with the lights, dehydration becomes a major issue."
Rogan also highlighted the problem of bugs, questioning how organisers plan to manage them. "What are they going to do about the bugs? Dana was talking about using fans, but is that enough?" he added.
Controlled Environment Essential
Rogan argued that world championship fights should take place in a controlled environment. "You wouldn't ask basketball players to play a championship game outside in the sun. It should be inside an air-conditioned arena," he stated. He suggested building a temporary roof or a 4,000-seat arena to ensure optimal conditions.
The UFC is reportedly spending around $60 million on the event, which includes constructing a cage and seating on the South Lawn. Despite the investment, Rogan remains unconvinced.
Fighters Adapt
Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley, who is also on the card, offered a different perspective. "It's at the White House, so you've got to deal with whatever comes. It would suck to lose due to factors outside your skill set, but none of us signed the contract thinking it was inside," he told MMA Junkie.
Event Details
The main event features a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, while the co-main event is an interim heavyweight clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. The card is packed with high-level fights, generating significant excitement.
Construction of the cage and seating is underway, with workers assembling domed arches and a staging area. The event aims to celebrate 250 years of American independence.
Despite Rogan's concerns, the UFC and the White House are pressing ahead with the historic outdoor event.
