Josh Hokit made headlines for the wrong reasons with his post-fight interview at UFC Freedom 250. The manner of his win over Derrick Lewis should have seen the UFC strap a rocket onto the rising heavyweight, but Dana White and Donald Trump are scrambling to distance themselves from a massive PR nightmare. 

Despite his reputation as an extreme free-speech absolutist who refuses to muzzle his fighters, the UFC CEO condemned the viral moment.

“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said in a text statement he gave to TIME. “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”

The UFC CEO’s public reprimand follows a history of distaste for Hokit’s persona. After the fighter’s breakout performance at UFC 327, White praised him, but clearly admitted to the media that he isn’t a big fan of the rising heavyweight’s personality.

“He walked the talk tonight. When people come out and say stupid s–t and have sort of a schtick, it’s not my thing. But nothing but respect for both of those men tonight. That fight was unbelievable. You won’t hear a word out of me from here on out about him. Like I said, he walked the talk.”

But the fighter’s remarks clearly crossed a line, with even President Trump also appearing uneasy with the remarks.

‘The Incredible Hok’ rushed over to the cage side to drape a heavy chain around the president’s neck following the stoppage win, and the president initially embraced the gesture. However, his demeanor changed visibly after the Michelle Obama comment echoed across the lawn.

“Michelle Obama is a man, am I right, America?” Hokit said.

Video footage showed the POTUS removing the chain moments later as the crowd reacted to the wild statement. Even though Trump has previously expressed his dislike for the Obamas, the crass, internet-born conspiracy theory seemed out of place for a celebratory event commemorating his 80th birthday.

As expected, the outrage swiftly rippled throughout the political and media landscape. And even faithful allies were unwilling to defend the stunt.

Barstool Sports founder calls for action against Josh Hokit for White House comment

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who voted for Trump in 2024, used Monday’s episode of Wake Up Barstool on FS1 to demand accountability for the demeaning statement against Obama.

“There was one moment I do think Trump has to denounce, and anybody associated with it has to denounce,” he said. “And that’s that crazy fighter guy… he won the fight, he took the microphone, and he made a derogatory comment about Michelle Obama.”

“I don’t care what you think about the Obamas or anything; that has to be an immediate denounce. I have no problem with the event. I guess you run that risk, because these [UFC] guys are lunatics. But that was the only thing, Trump should denounce it [and] he should say that was totally wrong.”

Of course, the Octagon has long been used as a particularly abrasive political bully home ground, and a clear example of it was former UFC fighter Colby Covington‘s controversial post-fight outburst back in 2020.

Following a win over Tyron Woodley, Covington used his platform to dedicate his win to military first responders before shifting his attention to NBA superstar LeBron James for his advocacy for causes such as the Black Lives Matter movement.

“This world would not be safe without you guys,” Covington said while speaking about the first responders. “You keep us safe, not these woke athletes, man. I’m sick of these woke athletes, and these spineless cowards like LeBron James.”

But while Colby Covington’s insults targeted a fellow athlete, Josh Hokit’s decision to speak out against the former first woman on the actual lawn of the White House has surely landed ‘The Incredible Hok’ in uncharted, incredibly deep water.