Sean O’Malley says the special UFC: White House event on June 14 could be moved if bad weather hits. He shared details after talks with UFC staff in Las Vegas.
O’Malley on the White House event
O’Malley spoke about the event on his podcast after meeting UFC people in Las Vegas. He said staff told him the show will be “insane” and that excitement is high. He also said the build-up and suspense around the event is huge.
He described the event as one-of-a-kind. The UFC plans to stage fights at the White House grounds on June 14, and O’Malley will face Aiemann Zahabi on the card.
Weather and scheduling concerns
O’Malley said UFC staff told him the fight might be moved if it rains. “If it’s outside and it rains, we’re not fighting, we’re going to move the fight date supposedly,” he said. He added he was not sure and was only relaying what he heard.
That view appears to conflict with comments from UFC president Dana White. White has said weather is a concern, but that only lightning nearby would cause a delay. It is not clear if the plan has changed or if O’Malley misunderstood what staff told him.
Security and logistics challenges
O’Malley also spoke about other challenges for fighters. He mentioned hot, humid weather and the added pressure of Secret Service protection on White House grounds. He joked he will “start doing my sparring rounds in the sauna” to prepare for the heat.
He said there are many unknowns about access and who will be allowed at the event. “The Secret Service alone is going to be insane. I still don’t know who’s going to be allowed in. I don’t know if family is going to be allowed. I have no idea,” O’Malley said.
Fight details
The event is billed as UFC: White House and is scheduled for June 14 at the White House grounds. Sean O’Malley will fight Aiemann Zahabi. No fighter records or other card matchups were announced in O’Malley’s remarks.
O’Malley’s comments give a glimpse of the unusual planning needed for a fight at a historic and highly secured location. Organizers must balance weather, security and logistics while keeping the show special for fans and the fighters.
Reported by UFCcoverage.
