UFC fighter Josh Hokit is under fire after making a derogatory remark about former first lady Michelle Obama during a postfight interview at the White House on Sunday. The comment, which echoed a baseless conspiracy theory, drew swift backlash from political and sports figures alike.
Hokit, who won his bout at the so-called “UFC Freedom 250” event held on the South Lawn, was speaking with podcaster and UFC announcer Joe Rogan when he grinned at the camera and said, “And lastly … Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?”
The remark referenced a long-debunked conspiracy theory that has circulated among some right-wing circles, targeting the former first lady with crude social media memes and commentary from conservative pundits.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III was among those who condemned Hokit, writing on social media, “It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man. Especially with the history behind calling black women men.”
The Democratic National Committee responded with a portrait of Obama, stating she “lives in their heads rent-free.” Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and a frequent Trump supporter, called on the president to denounce Hokit’s comment. “These are UFC guys, they’re crazy,” Portnoy said. “But when you have that on the White House lawn on an event you put down … that has to be an immediate denounce.”
The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) questioned why Paramount, which streamed the event, allowed the remark to air, asking if this was “the kind of trash we can expect from @paramountplus (and @CBS) now.”
The event itself marked an unprecedented fusion of politics and sports, showcasing President Trump’s close ties to UFC CEO Dana White. In a Truth Social post, Trump called the event “incredible,” adding that “the White House has never looked more beautiful.” Critics, however, have questioned the propriety of hosting a UFC event at the White House, with many noting the low public support for the spectacle and a failed legal challenge to halt it.
Hokit also presented President Trump with a gold chain after his victory, a gesture that further underscored the event’s political overtones. The fallout from his comment has reignited debates about the tone of political discourse in sports and the platform provided by the White House.
