Dana White Bashes Josh Hokit After His Comments on Michelle Obama at UFC Freedom 250

Dana White breaks his silence on Josh Hokit following the heavyweight’s controversial UFC Freedom 250 remarks.

Dana White Bashes Josh Hokit After His Comments on Michelle Obama at UFC Freedom 250

Dana White addresses Josh Hokit's UFC Freedom 250 controversy [via Yahoo Sports and MMA Mania]

Josh Hokit has become one of the biggest headturners in MMA of late. His larger-than-life, pro-wrestling-inspired personas have earned him as many detractors as fans. And, one person who has recently come out to denounce the heavyweight’s antics is his boss and UFC CEO, Dana White.

The veteran promoter isn’t one to censor his fighters or reprimand them for their comments. However, White has taken umbrage at the statements Hokit made about Michelle Obama. The 28-year-old had just defeated Derrick Lewis, one of the division’s top contenders, on a card staged on the South Lawn of the White House. He was then approached by Joe Rogan for an interview.

Before the comment, the heavyweight used his post-fight interview to praise President Donald Trump. He also used the opportunity to call for a future fight with former UFC champion Alex Pereira. Even so, his final statement quickly became the focal point of the post-fight discussion.

Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?

Josh Hokit at UFC Freedom 250

The remark was met with mixed reactions from the White House crowd, as some spectators cheered while others appeared stunned by what they had just heard.

The comment spread across social media like wildfire and generated significant discussion in the hours following the event. Nonetheless, the most telling response came from Dana White, who publicly denounced Hokit’s statement when contacted by Time Magazine.

I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.

Dana White via TIME Magazine

White has been more willing to go after his fighters for saying unhinged things. recently. During a media appearance for UFC 328, the veteran promoter lambasted journalists for baiting Sean Strickland with questions about sensitive matters. The UFC CEO also jokingly criticized ‘Tarzan’ while discussing his alleged ban from the event. But he had actually seen this mess with Hokit coming even before the event.

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Dana White earlier predicted Josh Hokit would invite controversy at the White House

Dana White’s criticism of Hokit was particularly notable given the comments he made prior to UFC Freedom 250. The UFC CEO was asked whether he planned to caution fighters about their behavior, considering they would be competing on federal property at the White House rather than in a traditional arena. As such, White indicated that he had no intention of changing his longstanding stance on fighter speech.

Dana White, Josh Hokit
Dana White and Josh Hokit [via MMA Fighting and Yahoo Sports]

The veteran promoter explained to ESPN in May that he has never instructed his fighters on what they can or cannot say. Even so, he acknowledged that Hokit was one of the more unpredictable personalities on the White House card and suggested that controversial moments were almost inevitable.

I never tell people what to say or not to say. Never, ever do it. I don’t love everything that’s said. I put [Josh] Hokit on this card. I mean, we do the press conference and he’s getting into fights with guys that are 150 pounds. It’s just, I promise you, bad things are going to happen to be said. That I can almost guarantee you.

Dana White via ESPN

White’s remarks came shortly after a promotional press conference in May where Hokit verbally confronted double champions Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria. The undefeated heavyweight was eventually removed from the stage, and the presser was cut short by White himself.

As such, the recent TIME 100 honoree’s comments carry more gravity following the controversy generated by Hokit’s post-fight remarks. It would appear that the UFC CEO’s patience with such remarks is running thin of late.

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