Sean O'Malley on Fighting Outdoors at UFC White House

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley says there's no real way to prepare for the outdoor elements awaiting fighters at UFC White House this Sunday.

O'Malley, who faces Aiemann Zahabi on the historic South Lawn card, told MMA Fighting that battling heat, humidity, or insects is just part of the deal. "You can't really prepare for it," he said. "You've just got to mentally prepare for being able to adapt to whatever happens." The bantamweight last fought outside roughly eight years ago and called the experience different but manageable.

Weather forecast poses challenges for fighters

Washington, D.C., is expected to hit 91 degrees on fight day with a 40 percent chance of rain, per the current forecast. UFC CEO Dana White has said weather is the biggest concern for the event but that only lightning would force a postponement. White also noted that the production team spotted heavy insect activity around the South Lawn gardens during scouting.

O'Malley said he won't dwell on worst-case scenarios. If conditions turn rough, both he and Zahabi will deal with the same problems. "If it's windy for me, it's windy for him," he said. "It's not like it's going to affect one of us."

O'Malley predicted ideal conditions come Sunday. "I have a feeling it's going to be nice out," he said. "It's going to be beautiful."

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• MMA Fighting — Sean O’Malley recounts what it’s like fighting outdoors ahead of UFC White House: ‘You can’t really prepare for it’