Daniel Cormier blasts Josh Hokit's Michelle Obama comments

Daniel Cormier unloaded on Josh Hokit for disparaging comments the heavyweight made about Michelle Obama after his knockout win at UFC White House.

Hokit, who stopped Derrick Lewis on Sunday's historic South Lawn card, called the former First Lady a man during his post-fight interview. The remark drew immediate backlash from UFC CEO Dana White and prompted a scathing response from Cormier, who was working commentary for the event. "Josh Hokit made a comment in the octagon on Sunday night after he won the fight, it was completely uncalled for," Cormier said on his YouTube channel, as reported by MMA Fighting.

Cormier questions need for inflammatory gimmick

Cormier, who has trained with Hokit and seen him outside his pro-wrestling persona, said the fighter had been conducting himself normally during fight week meetings. "When he's not doing the whole character thing, he's a normal dude," Cormier explained. "He's a good fighter, and he's a great athlete. But the comments that he made in the octagon just made no sense." The former two-division champion added that Hokit was delivering a solid interview before the Obama jab and could have won over new fans by being himself.

Cormier pointed out that the comment stood in sharp contrast to an event meant to celebrate American history and unity. "So many people right now in our country are trying to divide," he said. "That's the type of statement that divides, when in reality, we as a country should be trying to come together." He went on to call the remark "gross" and "disgusting," arguing that Hokit's fighting ability should speak for itself without resorting to inflammatory stunts.

Addressing Hokit directly, Cormier closed with a message: "Get it together, dude. You don't need to be as outlandish as you are." He said Hokit stands to have a long UFC career and potential title runs ahead, but warned that antics like Sunday's post-fight interview benefit nobody. UFC White House drew 17 million viewers across the United States and Latin America on Paramount+.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Daniel Cormier on Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama comments: ‘Get it together, dude’