Hokit rejects role model label after Buffer slams UFC Freedom 250 remarks

Unbeaten heavyweight contender Josh Hokit has rejected calls to act as a role model following criticism from UFC Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer over his post-fight comments at UFC Freedom 250, where Hokit made remarks about former first lady Michelle Obama at the White House.

Buffer, speaking to Kick streamer N3on, was direct in his disapproval. “I don’t like what he talks about,” Buffer said. “He’s disrespectful. It’s like, show some class. The things he said at the White House, I didn’t appreciate that. Young people today don’t have a lot of role models. We live in a decaying society; the way people are acting.”

Hokit, who also drew criticism from UFC CEO Dana White over the same remarks, fired back on X by questioning the premise that professional fighters should carry that responsibility at all. “I talk trash in the Octagon, but guys on this roster have actual criminal records and rape charges,” Hokit posted. “I have no criminal record, yet I’m not classy enough? You realize we are in the gladiator business, right? Should men who try to kill other men, really be your role model?”

The 10-0 heavyweight drew a clear distinction between inflammatory trash talk and what he characterised as genuine off-cage misconduct by other fighters on the UFC roster, arguing his own clean legal record made the criticism selective at best.

The controversy arrives at a significant moment for Hokit, who is set for the biggest fight of his career. The undefeated American will challenge Ciryl Gane (14-2) for the UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 334 on 14 November at Madison Square Garden in New York City.