Joe Rogan will commentate UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, despite having recently called the historic outdoor event a “gimmick.” The UFC commentator, a fixture of the promotion’s broadcast team for over two decades, will take his usual spot on the on-air commentary team for the unprecedented card on the White House South Lawn.
Rogan expressed serious doubts about the event in late May, citing concerns about the outdoor conditions fighters would face. “I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all,” he said on his podcast. “There are too many problems with it. In June, in D.C., we looked it up last year – the same day was 100 degrees.” He worried about heat, humidity, and insects affecting the competitors in what he called a non-controlled environment.
But Rogan’s position shifted within days. During an MMA-focused episode of his podcast, he acknowledged the spectacle’s uniqueness. “There’s no more American thing than having a UFC fight on the White House lawn,” he said. “It’s so America. It’s so Trump. It’s so crazy. A UFC fight on the White House lawn is bananas.” He reiterated his preference for an indoor venue while mocking those losing their minds over the event for various reasons.
Joe Rogan to commentate UFC Freedom 250 at White House on June 14
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UFC President Dana White pushed back at Rogan’s initial “gimmick” comment. “Whatever Joe Rogan’s opinions are – he said something crazy like, ‘It seems like a gimmick,'” White told Forbes. “I mean, what does a gimmick mean? It’s a real fight, with real stakes.” White defended the event as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration and called it “the most historical sporting event in American history.” He also praised Rogan’s value to the broadcast, noting that “Rogan is the best at breaking down what you’re seeing while it’s happening.”
UFC Freedom 250 is headlined by a lightweight fight between undefeated two-division champion Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The event will stream on Paramount+ and is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14.
Sources
- USA Today — Joe Rogan’s commentary team assignment, initial criticism of the event, reversal of stance, and Dana White’s response
- Awful Announcing — Rogan’s comments about the event being “so America” and his initial concerns about outdoor fighting conditions
