Joe Rogan has never hidden his dislike for outdoor fight cards, and the upcoming UFC White House event is giving him even more reasons to worry.
The longtime UFC commentator recently shared his concerns about the June 14 Freedom Fights 250 card, which is expected to take place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. While the setting is historic, Rogan believes the outdoor environment could create serious problems for fighters competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Joe Rogan questions outdoor conditions for UFC White House card
Speaking on his podcast, Rogan admitted the idea of hosting fights outside in the middle of summer does not sit well with him.
“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 the last time. Like last year, the same day was like 100 degrees. That’s hot as f–k.”
The heat is only part of the issue for Rogan. He also pointed to insects becoming a possible distraction once the arena lights come on during the event.
“Is that enough? With bug strips everywhere? What are you gonna do? Like, how are you gonna stop the bugs?”
For Rogan, those conditions create too many unpredictable factors for championship-level fights. He believes title bouts should happen in a fully controlled setting where outside elements cannot impact the action inside the cage.
Rogan believes championship fights belong indoors
Rogan compared the situation to other major professional sports, arguing that no championship game would ever be placed in such unstable conditions.
“I think it should be inside an air-conditioned arena. It should be a controlled environment.”
“Like you don’t ask someone to play a world championship basketball game outside in the sun. That would be crazy. Like you play in a f–king air-conditioned arena. That’s how it should be.”
The UFC Hall of Fame commentator also raised security concerns earlier this year when discussing the same event. Back in March, Rogan questioned whether hosting a massive public gathering at the White House was the right move given the global political climate.
“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 f–king war.”
Despite the concerns, the event remains one of the most talked-about cards of the year. Fans are eager to see how the UFC transforms the White House lawn into a fight venue, even if Rogan expects plenty of sweat, heat, and bugs by the end of the night.