Hokit calls Topuria a 'little hobbit' after White House presser flashpoint ahead of Lewis fight

Josh Hokit has taken aim at Ilia Topuria following the chaotic scenes at the UFC White House press conference in May, dismissing the lightweight champion’s involvement in a heated exchange between Hokit and Alex Pereira as unnecessary and misguided. Hokit, who faces Derrick Lewis on the UFC White House card, said he was surprised Topuria stepped in — and even more surprised by the Georgian’s confidence about how events would have unfolded without security separating them.

The incident saw Hokit directing a sustained barrage of insults at Pereira, who remained largely stoic throughout. Topuria eventually intervened, clapping back at Hokit before the situation escalated, with Topuria throwing a cup at Hokit and the heavyweight ultimately being removed from the press conference.

“That was surprising,” Hokit told MMA Fighting. “But looking back at it, I’m like — well, you had this guy stealing the show because he’s supposed to be the main event, and I’m now the loudest guy, maybe stealing the show from him. Maybe he felt that type of pressure where all the eyes should be on him.”

Hokit was dismissive of Topuria’s decision to defend Pereira, arguing the former two-division champion is more than capable of fighting his own battles. “He could defend himself. He doesn’t need a little fcking little mdget hobbit to stand up and protect him. We’re all fighters at the end of the day. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

On the subject of weight class differences, Hokit was equally blunt, suggesting the divisions create a false sense of confidence in smaller fighters. “I think the weight classes have people delusional. Maybe we need to bring back the open divisions. If a little guy wants to challenge a heavyweight and he’s delusional enough to step in there, let him do it. I’m not trying to be a bully, but if a man really thinks he could beat me in a fight, I don’t care what weight class it is.”

Hokit earned his place on the card with a Fight of the Year contending decision win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in April — a performance that made him the obvious opponent for Derrick Lewis after UFC CEO Dana White revealed President Donald Trump had personally requested Lewis appear on the event.

Topuria, meanwhile, headlines the card defending his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje, while Pereira takes on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship. As far as Hokit is concerned, if Topuria still has a grievance, the door remains open.