Joe Rogan Critiques UFC Freedom 250 White House Event Over Outdoor Venue

Joe Rogan is once again criticizing the highly anticipated, highly controversial UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled for June 14th and located on the White House lawn. Despite his role as UFC color commentator and his close ties to President Donald Trump, the podcast host has made it clear he is not on board with the plan.

During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience with former UFC fighter Josh Thompson and legendary referee "Big" John McCarthy, Rogan's words regarding the UFC card were a clear expression of disapproval.

"The White House thing is odd. I don't like it," Rogan stated flatly.

Watch the full episode here:

Fighting Under the Sun

Rogan's concerns this time around were mainly about the environment of an outdoor UFC event.

He argued that holding the event outside in Washington, D.C., during the summer is a recipe for disaster.

"I don't like the idea of fighting outside at all," he said, specifically pointing to the sweltering conditions expected in June, where temperatures can easily rise past 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

"We looked it up, the last time, like last year, same day was 100 degrees," Rogan stated. "That's hot."

Guest Josh Thompson added, "Then you add the lights. That attracts bugs," which Rogan agreed with.

Rogan was unapologetic in his opinion, stating, "I just don't think you should compete in a world championship fight in a non-controlled environment. It should be inside an air-conditioned arena."

He compared the environment to other sports, asking the rhetorical question, "You wouldn't ask them to play a world championship basketball game outside in the sun. That would be crazy, right? You play in a f-ing air-conditioned arena and that's how it should be."

"Build a f-ing roof! Build a roof. Like you've got all the money in the world, right? You want to do this for f-ing America?" Rogan ranted. "Build a 4,000-seat arena. Get a f-ing barndominium."

Awkward Timing and War Concerns

Rogan's critique isn't strictly about the environment. He has also acknowledged the awkward optics of hosting a party during a geopolitical crisis.

In a previous episode, he discussed his concern about holding such a high-profile event while the U.S. was engaged in military operations against Iran:

"It sounds crazy, 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- war," Rogan admitted, hoping the conflict would be resolved before fight night but expressing little confidence that it would be.

Rogan, who is slated to provide commentary for the event, confirmed to McCarthy and Thompson that he will still be present for the UFC Freedom 250 card despite his criticism.

"I'm going to be there. Allegedly. If there's not a bomb that goes off between now and then, "Who f-ing knows? This world is crazy," he stated

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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 8:44 PM.