UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis by stoppage in the second round at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn on June 14, then used his post-fight interview to direct a slur at former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The event, held to mark America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, featured fighters walking out from the Oval Office and Trump entering the Octagon after the main event.
Hokit, who had given Trump a necklace ringside moments earlier, spoke with Joe Rogan inside the cage.
“Shout out to Trump for having the b*lls to put this sh*t on,” Hokit said. He thanked Jesus Christ, made a remark about Alex Pereira, and ended with: “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” The crowd responded with a mix of cheers and boos.
The official UFC social media clip of the interview omitted the Obama line.
The Event
UFC Freedom 250 was the first major professional sporting event staged at the White House. It drew thousands of attendees, including Trump family members, Dana White, lawmakers, and business figures.
Also Read: White House Unveils Plan for 250‑Foot Monument in Washington
The card featured several finishes, culminating in Justin Gaethje’s fourth-round TKO victory over Ilia Topuria in the main event for the lightweight title. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump congratulated Gaethje in the cage afterward.
Hokit’s comment revived a long-running conspiracy theory about Obama’s gender that lacks supporting evidence.
Michelle Obama, a mother of two daughters, has been the target of such claims for years, often circulated in certain online and political circles.
What Trump Did After UFC Fighter Made Controversial Remark
Trump was seated ringside during Hokit’s interview. Reports from CNN and others described him showing a half-smile as the remark drew mixed crowd reactions. He did not address it immediately.
Also Read: Michelle Obama Addresses Vying for President in November
Later, Trump posted on Truth Social, congratulating Hokit and other fighters on their performances and praising their “speed and power,” without referencing the Obama comment. He described the evening as exceptional and highlighted the historic setting.
Trump has faced prior criticism for sharing content targeting the Obamas, including a video earlier this year that depicted them as apes, which he said he did not fully view before reposting.
No immediate comment came from Trump, White, or UFC on the specific remark. The White House did not respond to requests for further reaction.
Hokit has made similar remarks before. In January, he targeted WNBA player Brittney Griner with a comparable insult, prompting Dana White to say he “didn’t love it” but offering no stronger rebuke.
The event itself generated praise from attendees for its spectacle and patriotism, with military elements and celebrations tied to Flag Day. Detractors called it inappropriate for the White House grounds.
Obama’s representatives did not immediately comment when contacted by the media.
