One of the many problems with holding UFC Freedom 250 outdoors on the South Lawn of the White House was the potential for bad weather.
And that problem might rear its ugly head when the event takes place on Sunday night.
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According to The Weather Channel, there is a better chance than not that inclement weather will be rolling through the area, which could lead to a delay. Heat is another issue.
But weather isn’t the only concern, as mosquitos and gnats could become pests (no pun intended) to fighters during their bouts.
“UFC Freedom 250 is facing a chaotic weather setup on the White House South Lawn, with a 60% chance of thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and wind gusts up to 34 mph threatening to delay the outdoor fights,” The Weather Channel wrote.
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“On top of the storm risk, brutal D.C. humidity is driving a triple-digit heat index alongside massive swarms of mosquitos and gnats that fighters will have to battle inside the cage,” the Weather Channel added. “While the venue’s massive 92-foot overhang will keep the octagon dry, a single lightning strike within eight miles will trigger an automatic 30-minute freeze on the entire event.”
The UFC has installed a roof over the Octagon just in case it rains.
However, that roof won’t prevent lightning strikes, which will be a safety concern for fighters and everyone in attendance, from delaying matches. It would be quite the awkward situation if an ongoing match has to be stopped.
When asked about weather concerns ahead of the June 14 event, UFC CEO Dana White brushed them off.
“I’m sick and tired of hearing about the weather now and all the other b******* surrounding this event,” he said. “Listen, the show goes on on Sunday no matter what happens; we’re going.”
Joe Rogan’s concerns could come to fruition
Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Payton Talbott (left) is interviewed by Joe Rogan during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesUFC commentator Joe Rogan publicly voiced his belief that an outdoor UFC event was not a good idea, and his reasons check every box for the concerns The Weather Channel’s forecast pointed to.
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“The White House thing is odd. I don’t like it. I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all. It’s June and it’s D.C. and we looked it up, the last time, like last year, same day, was 100 degrees. That’s hot as f***. You add the lights. How about dehydration,” Rogan said.
“The bugs are a big one. How are they going to do anything about the bugs because I know that Dana was talking about that recently, they were talking about maybe using fans. Is that enough? Got bug strips everywhere? What are you going to do?” he asked. “How are you going to stop the bugs, there’s a lot of bugs.”