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Sport: MMACountry: United StatesCategory: Recruiting

Josh Hokit provokes backlash with Michelle Obama remark at UFC Freedom 250

The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:04 AM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Josh Hokit provokes backlash with Michelle Obama remark at UFC Freedom 250
Summary

UFC fighter Josh Hokit faced significant backlash for comments made during a post-fight interview at the UFC Freedom 250 event, held at the White House on June 16. After winning his bout against Derrick Lewis, Hokit remarked, 'Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?' This comment drew mixed reactions from the crowd and condemnation from several public figures, including former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Trump, in attendance for his birthday celebration, did not address the remark during his social media post about the event. The White House did not respond to requests for comments regarding Hokit’s statements.

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Key Details
  • •Hokit won his fight against Derrick Lewis by TKO.
  • •His comments referenced a fringe conspiracy theory about Michelle Obama.
  • •The event took place on the South Lawn of the White House.
  • •Trump did not address Hokit’s comments publicly.
  • •Criticism came from across sports and political spectrums.
Latest Updates
  • 10:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Trump facing pressure to condemn UFC fighter for disparaging Michelle Obama
  • 8:04 AMYahoo Sports — Donald Trump’s UFC Fight Comes With Controversial Michelle Obama Remark
What they're saying
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Josh Hokit’s comment, made after the match at the White House, was condemned widely, but not by the president Donald Trump is facing growing pressure to condemn an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitor who used a White House appearance to push a sexist, racist and transphobic conspiracy theory about former first lady Michelle Obama. At a UFC event on the south lawn on Sunday, the US president’s 80th birthday, Josh Hokit, a fighter, shouted into the microphone in front of Trump: “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Continue reading...

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A UFC fighter’s post-fight remarks at the White House sparked major backlash overnight. His comments about former First Lady Michelle Obama during Donald Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event drew condemnation from across sports and politics. Josh Hokit comments on Michelle Obama UFC fighter Josh Hokit sparked backlash after making a transphobic comment about former First Lady […] The post Donald Trump’s UFC Fight Comes With Controversial Michelle Obama Remark appeared first on Reality Tea.

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