Dana White condemns Hokit's 'nasty' Michelle Obama insult after UFC White House win

Josh Hokit knocked out Derrick Lewis at UFC White House on Sunday night, but his post-fight remarks quickly overshadowed the result after he used his octagon interview to make a derogatory and false claim about former First Lady Michelle Obama — drawing a swift rebuke from UFC CEO Dana White.

Speaking with Joe Rogan after the finish, Hokit first called out interim heavyweight title challenger Alex Pereira before turning his attention to Obama. “Lastly, Michele Obama is a man,” Hokit said. “Am I right, America?”

White was not asked about the comments during the post-fight press conference but addressed them directly in a text message to TIME magazine. “I understand that the Obamas are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White wrote. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”

The remarks carried particular weight given the setting. The event was held on the south lawn of the White House with President Donald Trump seated octagon side — a backdrop that amplified the reach and political resonance of Hokit’s words far beyond a standard UFC broadcast.

Hokit has made similar comments about Michelle Obama in post-fight interviews on smaller stages before, including on the LFA circuit, but those instances attracted little mainstream attention. Sunday’s platform was a different matter entirely.

The backlash extended into the political sphere. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury responded sharply on social media: “Ok, so let me get this straight — the dude who puked on himself live on TV during his weigh in, is hurling insults at the former First Lady now? Disgusting. Welcome to the Trump Administration.”

Hokit’s victory over Lewis was a dominant performance, but the conversation after UFC White House centred almost entirely on what he said once the fight was over.