The South Lawn of the White House hosted Sunday night’s UFC Freedom 250 event. While the action in the octagon was thrilling, there was some controversy towards the end of the night.
Josh Hokit improved his MMA record to 10-0 by defeating Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight bout. After securing yet another victory, he spoke to UFC analyst Joe Rogan. Instead of showing class in front of President Donald Trump and others, he took a shot at former First Lady Michelle Obama.
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“Lastly, Michelle Obama is a man,” Hokit said. “Am I right, America?”
Countless people ripped Hokit for this remark, calling it “classless” and “disgraceful” among other things.
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES; UFC President and CEO Dana White walk out during UFC Freedom 250 at White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images© Amber Searls-Imagn Images.
How did President Trump respond to Hokit’s remark? TMZ pointed out that he was wearing Hokit’s chain during Sunday night’s match.
A few seconds after Hokit called Obama “a man” in front of the crowd, Trump removed the UFC fighter’s chain.
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“Have a feeling they were trying to make this event non-political and his comment annoyed a lot of people off,” one person said.
“Excellent PR reflex from trump, which is honestly surprising,” a second person wrote.
“Midterms coming he’d better denounce it,” another person commented.
Dana White isn’t thrilled.
After the UFC completed its Freedom 250 event, Dana White condemned Hokit’s post-match remarks.
“I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
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The UFC has not yet released a follow-up statement on this concerning matter.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jun 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
