Du Plessis warns Hokit's White House comment will cost him

UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis believes Josh Hokit's fighting speaks for itself, but the heavyweight contender's controversial post-fight comment at UFC White House crossed a line.

Hokit dominated veteran Derrick Lewis at the June 14 event before delivering a speech that included an offensive remark about former First Lady Michelle Obama. UFC CEO Dana White condemned the comment as "nasty and false," while Daniel Cormier told Hokit to "get it together," MMA Fighting reports.

Du Plessis predicts consequences for Hokit's antics

"I think right now he's getting in his own way saying something stupid like that," du Plessis told Fight Forecast. "Freedom of speech one thing, but so irrelevant, and it's not even something that people are talking about right now. Read the room." The South African fighter added that Hokit's attempt at humor fell flat and predicted fallout: "I think it's going to cost him. That comment's going to cost him."

Du Plessis praised Hokit's performance against Lewis, noting the 28-year-old undefeated fighter showcased wrestling and striking before finishing the bout via second-round knockout. "What he's doing is using volume, footwork, his speed, and agility to beat these guys," du Plessis said of Hokit's four-fight UFC win streak, which includes a bout with Curtis Blaydes. "With that kind of striking, I'm a fan. I'm a fan of his fighting, 100 percent."

Du Plessis suggested Hokit dial back his persona, comparing him to Colby Covington and Chael Sonnen but saying the act feels forced. "When he has the mic, I don't want to see it, it's too intense and the antics it's too much," he said. "Just turn it down a notch." Du Plessis, who resolved his own heated feud with Israel Adesanya after defeating him at UFC 305, stopped short of offering fight advice. "Keep on going," he said of Hokit's in-cage work.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Dricus du Plessis a fan of Josh Hokit, but warns offensive UFC White House comment is ‘going to cost him’