Ilia Topuria snaps at Josh Hokit's interruptions at UFC White House presser

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria lost patience with Josh Hokit during Friday's White House press conference after the heavyweight repeatedly interrupted his responses to media questions.

Hokit opened his time at the microphone with an apology for a previous altercation involving Topuria and Alex Pereira, according to MMA Fighting, before launching into what he called an attempt to keep his "Incredible Hok" persona in check. Despite claiming he wanted to remain subdued, Hokit inserted himself into nearly every exchange that followed, none of which involved questions directed at him.

Topuria's frustration boils over during media session

When Topuria began answering reporters, Hokit cut in with a bizarre comment about Pereira feeding the champion like a bird. "Can someone just shut this guy up?" Topuria fired back, per the report. "Just shut up. Thanks very much but shut up. Just shut up."

Hokit later took a personal shot at the featherweight-turned-lightweight kingpin. "I think Topuria's so mad because he's so short he can't see himself in the bathroom mirror," Hokit said, adding an insult about Topuria's wife before backtracking with another claim of fandom.

Topuria cut him off one final time. "Turn his mic off!" he shouted. UFC CEO Dana White ended the press conference shortly after.

The UFC White House card takes place Saturday night at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — ‘Turn his mic off!’: Ilia Topuria erupts on Josh Hokit after constant interruptions at UFC White House press conference
• MMA Fighting — UFC White House press conference video