Dana White is facing an unexpected challenge just weeks before UFC Freedom 250, and it’s not what anyone would have anticipated. As the event approaches, the UFC president is grappling with a very real issue: bugs.
Set to take place on June 14 at the iconic South Lawn of the White House, this outdoor event marks a rare departure from White’s usual preference for indoor venues. Despite his reservations, he’s made an exception for this monumental occasion. However, a recent visit to the White House revealed a significant hurdle that has him concerned—an overwhelming number of gnats.
In a candid conversation with Boardroom, White shared his experience at a dinner hosted by President Trump in The Rose Garden. “The amount of gnats that are flying around, I’m like, ‘Holy sh*t,’” he recalled. This prompted an immediate call to his head of production, Craig Borsari, to address the potential impact of these pesky insects on the fighters and the event itself.
White is particularly worried about how the bugs could affect the athletes during their matches, especially with the elaborate lighting setup, affectionately dubbed “the claw.” “In your mouth, in your nose while you’re trying to fight,” he explained, emphasizing the challenges posed by the outdoor setting.
To combat this issue, White is brainstorming solutions, including the possibility of using fans to create a breeze that might deter the gnats. “Maybe we put fans in, because gnats have a bad time in the wind,” he suggested, highlighting the meticulous planning that goes into organizing such a high-profile event.
As the UFC team scrambles to find a solution, one question lingers: Will they be able to keep the bugs at bay and ensure a smooth event for everyone involved?
