UFC fighter Josh Hokit directed a vile insult at former First Lady Michelle Obama following his victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, an event held in front of President Donald Trump. The match was part of a high-profile card organized to honor Trump on his 80th birthday and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Fight and Post-Fight Incident
The bout ended swiftly, with Lewis suffering a knockout in the second round. After his win, Hokit approached the president, offering him his championship chain and exchanging a handshake while Trump praised the fighter's success.
Following this interaction, Hokit made a statement regarding Michelle Obama. He said, 'Shoutout to Trump for having the balls to put some s*** like this on. And if I'm going to say anything, there's only one person more incredible than the Incredible Hok, and that's my lord and saviour Jesus Christ.' He then added, 'Now listen, Alex Pereira, I wanna chama on your mama. And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?'
Audience Reaction
The thousands of supporters gathered at the Ellipse, just south of the venue, watched the fight and post-fight interview on giant screens. When Hokit delivered his comment, the audience erupted into cheers, with many applauding the statement.
History of Controversial Remarks
This is not the first time Hokit has targeted the former First Lady; in 2025, he also falsely claimed she was a man. Additionally, he has stated he is '100 per cent transphobic' and has referred to Black MMA competitor Torrez Finney as a 'human gorilla,' seemingly as a tactic to attract attention and stir controversy. His racist post directed at Finney was shared four times and received likes from two accounts.
Hokit's Justification
Hokit insists his confrontational conduct and remarks are calculated to illustrate what fighters should embody as entertainers. Speaking to MMA Fighting, he said, 'I think MMA fighters are getting too caught up in being the macho man or the stoicism, and the polite guy. I don't know what's going on in their mind. I just think they're lazy and they don't want to put themselves out there and put things on the line, put pressure on themselves. So they kind of go into a shell. But yeah, I mean, think about what you really want. I'm looking to go out there and make it a fight.'
He continued, 'Yeah, like give something. What comes to mind is the Batman quote, "You die a hero or live long enough to see yourself as a villain." So I mean, I guess, if I didn't say anything and I gave you that fight, hopefully I just died that night, and then maybe I'll die a hero. Because I'm going to be in this game for a long time, and it's always going to be something that you don't like the more I put myself out there. So I'm making it easy for everybody. How about you guys just don't like me and just tune in though.'
