Unbeaten Hokit refuses to retract Michelle Obama remarks made at UFC White House event

Josh Hokit has refused to walk back comments he made about Michelle Obama during his post-fight interview at the UFC White House event, insisting he intended the remarks as a compliment and as a demonstration of free speech.

Hokit (10-0) knocked out Derrick Lewis at the event earlier this month. Speaking in his post-fight interview at the White House, the unbeaten fighter called the former first lady a man — a remark that drew immediate and widespread criticism.

Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hokit addressed the backlash directly and declined to apologise. “I thought I was giving her a compliment,” he said. “I don’t think anyone viewed it as Michelle Obama being a man. It’s more like she knows how to deal with adversity, she knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough.”

Hokit also framed the episode as a broader statement about American values. “I thought it was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with freedom of speech,” he said. “In other parts of the world, you say something like that, and you’re not here to speak to Ariel Helwani.”

The fighter, who fights under the nickname “The Incredible Hok,” acknowledged his reputation for provocative opinions and made clear it would not change. “That’s one thing about my career,” he added. “You’ll never hear me backtrack from what I say.”

Hokit has faced significant public criticism for the comments, which were widely described as unprovoked. His refusal to retract them is likely to keep the controversy in the spotlight as his UFC career continues to build momentum off a perfect professional record.