Joe Rogan to join commentary team after criticizing UFC White House event

Despite recent criticism of the event, Joe Rogan will join the on-air commentary team for the UFC’s event at the White House June 14, MMA Junkie – part of the USA TODAY Network, reported, citing a person with knowledge of the plans.

Rogan, a fixture of the UFC’s broadcast crew for more than two decades, called the event a “gimmick.”

“It doesn’t seem like a wise idea,” he said on his podcast late last month. “It’s kind of a gimmick.”

Rogan expressed concern about the fighters facing extreme heat and contending with bugs during UFC Freedom 250, to be held on the South Lawn of the White House and livestreamed by Paramount+.

“I don’t like the idea of fighting outside at all,” he said. “There are too many problems with it. In June, in D.C., we looked it up last year – the same day was 100 degrees.”

President Donald Trump shows a rendering of the upcoming “UFC Freedom 250” event during a meeting with UFC fighters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 6, 2026.

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President Donald Trump shows a rendering of the upcoming “UFC Freedom 250” event during a meeting with UFC fighters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 6, 2026.

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President Donald Trump shows a rendering of the White House to illustrate the concept of the Ultimate Fighting Championship event planned for June 14, 2026, as he holds an event with UFC fighters Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 6, 2026.

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Dana White, the UFC CEO, pushed back.

“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. …

“When you talk about a gimmick, there’s absolutely nothing gimmicky about this event. We’re celebrating 250 years of America, we’re going to have all the representatives of the military there, every fight on that card means something with who wins or loses that night, and you know, like the most historical sporting event in American history. Far from a gimmick.”

During the interview with Forbes, Dana also said he’s good friends with Rogan, not to mention a vital part of the broadcast that will be providing analysis during an unprecedented event.

“So that night when the fight is playing out for people who are watching for the first time, Rogan is the best at breaking down what you’re seeing while it’s happening,” White said.

Also, Rogan recently appeared to backtrack on his criticism of the event.

“I mean, there’s no more American thing than having a UFC fight on the White House lawn,” Rogan said. “It’s so America. It’s so Trump. It’s so crazy. You know what I mean? A UFC fight on the White House lawn is bananas.”