UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit made controversial remarks about former First Lady Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview at the White House on Sunday. Hokit, who defeated Derrick Lewis in the second round, shouted, 'Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?' after praising President Donald Trump for hosting the event. Trump was reportedly seen with a 'half smile' as the comment was met with a mix of cheers and boos.
The UFC later edited the official clip of the interview, cutting out Hokit's remark about Obama. This is not the first time Hokit has made similar comments; in January, he referred to WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner as a man after a victory. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged the remark but did not endorse it, stating, 'I heard about it. I didn’t see it, I don’t love it.'
The event, held to mark America’s 250th anniversary of independence, also featured the main fight between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, which Gaethje won in the fourth round. Trump, celebrating his 80th birthday, entered the Octagon to congratulate Gaethje afterward.
Michelle Obama has previously addressed gender-based slurs, telling MSNBC last year, 'We have to pick leaders that don’t do that.' Spokespeople for the Obamas and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Democrats and some Republicans publicly condemned Hokit’s remarks, with Tim Miller, a former Jeb Bush aide, tweeting, 'What a way to celebrate America 250 and the twilight of liberal democracy.'