Dana White shares a big challenge with the UFC White House event that he hasn’t figured out yet.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the UFC is making history by hosting the first-ever sporting event at the White House! But after visiting the location, Dana White quickly found a surprising challenge that had the production team scrambling.
Usually, the octagon is inside a lively arena, with bright lights showing every sweat drop and knockout blow. But UFC Freedom 250 is doing something different — it will take place outdoors on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14.
Moving the fight outside turned out to be trickier than Dana expected. He discovered that President Trump’s new rose bushes have attracted thousands of bugs! These unexpected visitors are causing quite a buzz.
This special event comes with some funny and new challenges. Security and logistics have changed old traditions, with fighters even starting their walkouts from the Oval Office. While Trump has set up a stand and seating for “100,000 guests,” it’s actually the open-air setup and insects that are giving Dana White a headache.
On a podcast with Boardroom, White shared how he visited the White House and got swarmed by bugs. “President Trump just opened the Rose Garden two nights ago and invited me to dinner,” Dana said. “The number of gnats flying around… I was like, ‘Wow!’ As soon as I got on the plane, I called my Head of Production to warn him about the bug situation.”
These bugs aren’t just annoying for the crowd—they could distract the fighters too. Even though a single punch could shoo some bugs away, White worries that bugs flying near the fighters’ faces might break their focus—and in UFC, one small mistake can change everything.
Thinking about all the lights and outdoor elements, Dana said, “This is why I don’t like fighting outside. Ever.”
Host Rich Kleiman shared a story about a baseball game in 2007 where gnats caused a player to drop a crucial catch. Dana said they’re looking into solutions, like adding fans that could blow the bugs away from the fighters.
If all goes well, UFC Freedom 250 will be one of the most amazing events ever!