UFC’s Dana White scared of gnats at White House fight. LOL!
The UFC is preparing for a high-profile event on the White House lawn scheduled for June 14. While the event coincides with the president’s birthday, organizers are facing an unexpected environmental challenge that could impact the competition.
The Gnat Problem
UFC head Dana White has expressed significant concern regarding the presence of gnats at the venue. This concern followed a dinner invitation to the Rose Garden, where White noted a substantial amount of insects flying around.
White immediately contacted his head of production, Craig, to address the situation. He specifically highlighted the risk of insects entering fighters’ mouths or noses while they are attempting to fight.
Production Challenges and “The Claw”
The UFC has installed a massive lighting and television screen structure known as “The Claw.” These intersecting arches are designed to provide high-power illumination for the octagon ring.
However, White warned that the intensity of these lights could act as a magnet for moths, gnats, and other insects. This creates a potential distraction for athletes competing directly under the lighting grid.
To combat this, the organization has considered using fans, as gnats may have difficulty navigating in the wind. White noted that these small details are why he generally dislikes fighting outdoors.
Environmental Concerns
Podcaster Joe Rogan has also voiced skepticism regarding the outdoor setting in Washington, D.C. He noted that historical weather data indicates the temperature on the same day last year reached 100 degrees.
Journalist Ariel Helwani has similarly questioned how the organization intends to combat the insect crisis. These factors combined suggest a challenging environment for professional mixed martial arts.
Potential Outcomes
The UFC may implement additional pest control measures or rely heavily on the proposed fan systems to clear the air around the octagon. There is a possibility that the combination of extreme heat and insects could influence the pace or performance of the fighters.
Organizers could face further scrutiny if the environmental conditions disrupt the flow of the matches or the quality of the live broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the White House UFC event taking place?
The event is scheduled for June 14, which is the president’s birthday.
What is “The Claw”?
“The Claw” refers to the massive intersecting arches used to hold the lights and television screens over the octagon ring.
Why is Dana White concerned about the outdoor setting?
White is concerned that gnats and other insects, attracted by the powerful lighting, could fly into the fighters’ noses and mouths during the bouts.
Do you think environmental factors like insects and heat should play a role in where professional fights are hosted?