![\"Joe](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131371142,imgsize-312510,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/trump.jpg\" "\\"Joe")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nJoe Rogan has again expressed serious concerns about the UFC\u2019s planned White House event, questioning whether fighters should compete outdoors amid fears surrounding extreme heat, insects, rain and broader logistical complications tied to the historic card.The longtime UFC commentator criticised the event during a recent episode of his podcast, where he admitted he remains uncomfortable with the idea of staging a major championship-level fight card outside on the White House South Lawn.Rogan\u2019s concerns come just days after UFC president Dana White himself acknowledged several unexpected production and environmental issues connected to the event, including swarms of insects around the venue.The card, officially titled \u201cFreedom 250\u201d to celebrate the United States\u2019 250th anniversary, is scheduled to take place on June 14 at the White House. Construction on the temporary arena reportedly began earlier this week, with cranes, scaffolding and other heavy equipment appearing on the South Lawn as preparations intensify.<\/p>\n Rogan focused much of his criticism on the weather conditions fighters could face in Washington during mid-June.\u201cThe White House thing is odd, I don\u2019t like it,\u201d Rogan said during the podcast. \u201cI don\u2019t like the idea of fighting outside at all. And then it\u2019s June, and it\u2019s DC, and we looked it up the last time. Like last year, the same day was like 100 degrees. That\u2019s hot as f–k.\u201dAccording to the National Weather Service, the average high temperature in Washington on June 14 is approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the record high for that date stands at 98 degrees.Rogan argued that championship-level fights should only take place inside climate-controlled arenas rather than in unpredictable outdoor environments.\u201cI just don\u2019t think you should compete in a world championship fight in a non-controlled environment,\u201d Rogan said.\u201cI think it should be inside an air-conditioned arena. It should be a controlled environment. Like you don\u2019t 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\u2019s how it should be.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond the heat, Rogan questioned how organisers plan to handle insects around the lighting rigs and production setup expected for the event.\u201cAnd then the lights [could bring bugs], and then they were talking about using fans. Is that enough? With bug strips everywhere? What are you gonna do? Like, how are you gonna stop the bugs?\u201d he said. <\/p>\n Equipment being placed on the South Lawn of the White House is seen from the Washington Monument, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Washington. The UFC is holding a mixed martial arts fight on June 14 as part of America 250 celebrations. (AP Photo\/Mark Schiefelbein)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The UFC commentator has repeatedly criticised the White House card in recent months.Earlier in March, Rogan questioned the timing of the event amid the ongoing Iran conflict and raised concerns about security risks associated with hosting such a high-profile gathering at the White House.\u201cI know it\u2019s 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,\u201d Rogan said at the time.\u201cI would hope the war will be sorted out by June, but quite honestly, I\u2019m not confident that\u2019s going to be the case. So that\u2019ll be weird, having this very high profile event where everyone\u2019s in one place at one time right there.\u201dIn another earlier podcast episode, Rogan described the event as \u201ckind of a gimmick\u201d and admitted: \u201cI\u2019ll be there, but I\u2019m not thrilled about it.\u201dDespite his repeated criticism, reports from Time earlier this week indicated Rogan is still expected to serve on commentary duty for the event.<\/p>\nRogan questions outdoor setting and extreme Washington heat<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Rogan also worried about insects and production complications<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131371015\/the-latest-trump-convened-his-cabinet-as-talks-to-end-iran-war-remain-in-flux.jpg\" "\\"Equipment")
<\/p>\nDana White admits bugs have already become a major issue<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Trump\"](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131371042\/trump.jpg\" "\\"President")
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