Kathrine Frich
Guests delivered a visibly mixed reaction to his sudden personal outburst.
Birthdays usually involve a quiet dinner or a simple slice of cake.
Some opt for something much louder.
When the most famous house in the country turns into a live combat sports arena, everyone is bound to talk.
A unique birthday party
The pristine lawn of the White House transformed into a fighting cage on Sunday. President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by hosting a full martial arts event right in his front garden.
Seven distinct bouts took place outside the famous political residence. While the outdoor card suffered a brief delay due to weather, all seven fights ended with a decisive finish.
Ladbible wrote that the president was simultaneously negotiating an Iranian peace deal during the sporting spectacle. However, the raw action inside the cage quickly stole the spotlight.
Crossing the line
Rising combat star Josh Hokit secured a massive knockout victory over Derrick Lewis. Moments later, the young athlete grabbed the microphone.
The fighter already holds a strong reputation for making viral comments. He decided to use his victory speech to launch an unprovoked attack on former first lady Michelle Obama.
“Lastly, Michele Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Hokit said. Sitting in the live audience, guests delivered a visibly mixed reaction to his sudden personal outburst.
His shocking remark quickly overshadowed the sporting success of the afternoon. Behind the scenes, the head of the fight promotion had to address the ugly situation.
Drawing a boundary
UFC president Dana White did not hide his absolute frustration. He sent a text message directly to TIME magazine to clarify his exact stance on the matter.
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White told the publication.
He made it clear that some boundaries should always remain intact. “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense,” White added.
Escorted off the grass
The highly controversial speech was not the only strange moment. Cameras caught fellow fighter Sean Strickland being physically removed from the premises by security staff.
Wild rumours immediately flooded the internet. White later clarified that the fighter was simply escorted away because he lacked a formal invitation.
Meanwhile, heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury secured a spot on the exclusive guest list. He arrived straight from Manchester to watch the fights, despite earlier media reports suggesting he faced a travel ban.
Sources: TIME, Ladbible
