Josh Hokit defends Michelle Obama remarks after UFC backlash

Undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit is standing by his comment about former first lady Michelle Obama following his knockout win over Derrick Lewis at UFC White House earlier this month.

Hokit told Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show that he meant no disrespect when he called Mrs. Obama a man during his post-fight interview at the White House, according to a report from Sherdog. The 10-0 fighter, known for courting controversy, framed his remark as a tribute to Obama's resilience under pressure. "I thought I was giving her a compliment," he said. "I don't think anyone viewed it as Michelle Obama being a man. It's more like she knows how to deal with adversity, she knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough."

Hokit cites free speech in defense of comment

Hokit went further, positioning his statement as an exercise of American free expression. He told Helwani that making such a remark demonstrated the country's constitutional protections, noting that in other parts of the world, similar comments could land someone in serious trouble. The heavyweight added that he will never walk back any of his public statements, no matter how much heat they generate. "That's one thing about my career," he said. "You'll never hear me backtrack from what I say."

The comment drew immediate backlash on social media after the event, with critics calling it unprovoked and disrespectful. Hokit has not announced his next fight.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Josh Hokit defends controversial statement about Michelle Obama