UFC boss Dana White has spoken out against Josh Hokit after he made derogatory and false statements about Michelle Obama during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I totally disagree with people saying mean and false things about people’s families,” White wrote in a text message to Time magazine. “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
Hokitt, who won a heavyweight bout against Derrick Lewis on the White House lawn, was interviewed by Joe Rogan on a Paramount+ livestream. Unexpectedly, Hokit yelled into the microphone, “And for the last time, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”, drawing cheers and screams from the live audience. The inflammatory remarks were heavily criticized on social media, but were not featured in the rest of the broadcast. Logan looked dismayed and backed away from the fighter, simply saying, “Everyone, Josh Hawkitt.”
According to CNN’s Jake Tapper, White House Press Secretary Stephen Chan deflected a question about Hokit’s comments, saying, “He had a great win last night. He showed toughness and an ability to put pressure on opponents both on his feet and on the ground.”
The bloody spectacle celebrating America’s 250th anniversary also happened to be Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, but otherwise largely avoided partisan politics. UFC fighters (from the United States and other countries) exited the White House and entered the Octagon, with President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and UFC CEO Dana White sitting cageside. The fighters marched alongside U.S. veterans and first responders as people dressed as Revolutionary War soldiers provided security. Zac Brown Band played the national anthem.
