While Josh Hokit was a big winner on Sunday night’s UFC Freedom 250 event, his post-match quip was designed to stir up controversy.
After he won his heavyweight fight against Derrick Lewis during the June 14 fight on the White House lawn, Hokit was interviewed on the Paramount+ broadcast by Joe Rogan. At the end, he shouted, “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” seemingly out of nowhere.
Rogan looked flustered but ultimately said nothing to follow besides, “Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit.” His words were not mentioned any further on the broadcast.
Political chatter was less direct for much of the evening, with most discussion limited to how surreal it felt and how honored the fighters were to be competing at the White House, with an emphasis celebrating veterans and first responders.
President Trump sat in the front row of the event, in between his wife Melania and UFC CEO Dana White.
Watch the moment below on X, via The Bulwark’s Tim Miller.
“Michelle Obama is a man” shouted on the White House lawn in a ring sponsored by Bud Light only available on Larry Ellison’s Paramount Plus. What a way to celebrate America 250 and the twilight of liberal democracy. pic.twitter.com/MCTjdB3slg
