Hokit Doubles Down On Michelle Obama Comments

UFC 334 headliner Josh Hokit refuses to back away from the inflammatory comments he made about former First Lady Michelle Obama during his July victory over Derrick Lewis.

The undefeated heavyweight contender, who faces champion Ciryl Gane this Saturday at Madison Square Garden, falsely claimed during his UFC Freedom 250 post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that Obama was a man. The incident took place on the White House lawn and drew immediate condemnation. UFC CEO Dana White labeled the remark gross and false, while veteran announcer Bruce Buffer publicly criticized Hokit for being disrespectful. The 28-year-old challenger has declined to issue an apology.

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Hokit Maintains His Stance At UFC 334 Media Day

When reporters asked Hokit during Wednesday's media session whether he wished he had handled the moment differently, the heavyweight rejected the premise entirely. He told the assembled press he would never second-guess that decision, according to MMA Mania, adding that his appearance on a Donald Trump social media post validated the attention.

Hokit framed the backlash as a necessary cost of building a name that endures beyond his fighting career. He told reporters his legacy matters more than media approval and that he's willing to upset people to achieve lasting recognition.

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The challenger also pushed back on criticism that the White House setting made his comments worse. Hokit argued the venue's association with free expression made it an ideal place for the remark, per the report.

Hokit said he has no scripted talking points prepared for Saturday but acknowledged that provocative statements might surface naturally if he wins the belt. The title fight takes place November 14 in New York.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — No regrets! UFC 334 headliner Josh Hokit doubles down on awful Michelle Obama comments – ‘I’m here to be remembered