Joe Rogan says he hates the idea of having an UFC event at the White House

Rogan said: “The White House thing is odd. I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all.

“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.

“Like, you wouldn’t ask them to play world championship basketball game outside on the sun. That would be crazy.”

Rogan’s objection was therefore based on the conditions around the event, rather than the profile of the venue itself.

He specifically pointed to world championship fights and said they should be held in an air-conditioned arena.

Rogan has also raised concerns about heat, bugs and the lack of a controlled indoor setting for the event.

Dana White has already admitted outdoor UFC events are difficult

The White House card is planned for June 14, 2026, with construction reportedly underway on the South Lawn.

Rogan’s comments come after Dana White also addressed the complications around staging UFC events outdoors.

White has admitted that outdoor events bring weather-related issues.

He has also said that lightning is the main weather issue that could affect the White House card.

That gives Rogan’s comments added context, because UFC is already preparing for an event where conditions outside the cage could become part of the discussion.

The event remains scheduled, and Rogan did not say it should be cancelled.

But his comments make clear that one of UFC’s most recognisable voices has concerns about staging major fights outside in a non-controlled environment.