Nicolai Haugsted
The president had a clear opinion, after contriversial commentary ffrom UFC-event.
Politics, combat sports and social media controversy collided during a high-profile UFC event at the White House, where a post-fight comment from heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the evening.
The event, staged on the White House lawn to mark both America’s 250th anniversary celebrations and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, featured prominent political figures, UFC executives and a packed fight card. Yet much of the conversation afterward centered on comments made outside the cage.
Comment sparks immediate reaction
Following his bout against Derrick Lewis, Hokit used part of his post-fight interview to praise Trump before making a controversial statement about former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Hokit said.
The remark rapidly spread online, drawing criticism and reigniting a long-debunked conspiracy theory that has circulated on social media for years.
Trump later celebrated the event on Truth Social, calling the evening a major success and praising those who took part.
“The UFC at the White House last night was incredible,” the president wrote.
Lip reader claims to decode exchange
Attention intensified after professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Daily Star he believed he had identified part of a brief exchange between Trump and Hokit following the controversy.
According to Newsner via. Freeman’s interpretation, Trump appeared to compliment the fighter during their interaction. No official transcript or audio recording has been released, and the White House has not publicly commented on the alleged conversation.
“Too kind, thank you. You are the champion.”
UFC boss distances himself from remarks
While the event itself was widely praised by organizers, UFC president Dana White made clear he did not support Hokit’s comments.
In remarks reported by multiple outlets, White said public figures should not have their families targeted with false personal attacks, even while defending free speech principles more broadly.
The controversy unfolded during a night that Trump and his allies had hoped would showcase the UFC’s growing relationship with the White House. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended the event and compared the occasion to moments in American history when ambitious goals were achieved despite widespread skepticism.
Much of the focus after the final bell, however, shifted away from the fights and toward the debate sparked by Hokit’s comments and the reaction that followed.
