"Disgusting" - Dana White sounds off on Josh Hokit over his Michelle Obama comments after UFC Vegas 119
UFC boss Dana White has put forth his take on Josh Hokit's controversial comments about Michelle Obama.
Josh Hokit has once again been subjected to criticism by Dana White. The UFC CEO and president recently expressed his disapproval of Hokit's controversial comments concerning former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama.
White has now reiterated that he doesn't condone the disparaging remarks made by Hokit about the wife of former U.S. president Barack Obama.
Josh Hokit, who's on a quest to capture heavyweight gold, made polarizing remarks about Michelle Obama at UFC Freedom 250
The undefeated Josh Hokit moved one step closer to title contention in the heavyweight division, as he beat perennial 265-pound divisional contender Derrick Lewis via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old American fighter's comments on Michelle Obama during his post-fight octagon interview with Joe Rogan sparked outrage in the socio-political realm.
On one hand, Hokit praised President Donald Trump, who was in attendance for the fights and helped facilitate the organization of the MMA event at the White House.
On the other hand, Hokit took aim at Michelle Obama and said, "And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?"
Dana White took umbrage with Josh Hokit's Michelle Obama comments, but he reaffirmed his stance on free speech
After the high-profile UFC White House event, many prominent UFC fighters and representatives -- including former two-divisional champion Daniel Cormier and UFC head honcho Dana White -- condemned Josh Hokit's aforementioned comments about Michelle Obama.
Furthermore, White also expounded upon it at this week's event, UFC Vegas 119. During the post-fight press conference of the event that transpired at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, White was asked about the Hokit-Obama controversy. Seemingly condemning the heavyweight combatant's comments, he stated, "Disgusting."
Upon being questioned whether he regretted booking Hokit to compete on the UFC White House card, White said, "No. I mean, listen, there's always going to be people that say things that most of us don't agree with."
Moreover, White alluded to the time and place of Hokit's comments, which many deemed to be quite incendiary at such a grand sports event and at a socio-politically significant place like the White House, nonetheless.
White added, "I've said many times. Listen, I voted for (Barack) Obama the first time; didn't vote for him the second time."
He seemed to hark back to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration ceremony for his second term from January 2025, an event at which White was seated behind the row of former U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama.
Well, White recalled how some netizens claimed he'd glowered at Obama. Clarifying that he had no ill will toward the former P.O.T.U.S., he recounted:
"Obama's the only one that turned around to me. Couldn't have been a nicer guy, and said, 'Congratulations on all your success and everything that you've done, whatever.' I said, 'Thank you, Mr. President.'"
White implied that he doesn't believe in disrespecting the persons who've held the presidential position in his nation. He explained that irrespective of whether one, as a U.S. citizen, likes a president or not, the matter of fact is that they ought to acknowledge the elected leader -- be it past presidents or the incumbent one.
The American entrepreneur and MMA personality affirmed that he respects all U.S. presidents. However, he acknowledged that not everybody, such as individuals like Josh Hokit, respects the presidents.
On that note, White reaffirmed his longstanding stance on free speech, saying, "And gotta listen to f**king stupid sh** like that sometimes, unfortunately, because I also believe in free speech."
Watch Dana White discuss Josh Hokit's remarks regarding Michelle Obama below (*comments at the 5:53-minute mark of the video):
