Dana White Weighs Insect Control for UFC Freedom 250 on White House Lawn

UFC President Dana White is confronting an unusual logistical challenge as he plans a major outdoor fight event on the White House lawn next month: a significant insect problem. The UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled for June 14 as part of national anniversary celebrations, will be held on the South Lawn, but White’s recent experience at a White House dinner has raised immediate concerns about bugs interfering with the competition.

White recounted that after being invited to dinner in the recently reopened White House Rose Garden by President Donald Trump, he was alarmed by the number of gnats present. He immediately contacted his head of production to warn about the issue, fearing it would be exacerbated by the powerful lighting rigs planned for the nighttime fight. He described the potential for moths, gnats, and other insects to swarm the high-intensity lights and disturb athletes during matches.

The planned event is a large-scale production. A temporary open-air arena with approximately 4,300 seats will be constructed on the South Lawn, while a nearby park is expected to host tens of thousands of additional fans with free tickets. White has consistently expressed his dislike...