UFC fighter defends calling Michelle Obama a 'man' after Freedom 250 event

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News on Jun 24, 2026

Published in MMA

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UFC fighter Josh Hokit doubled down on his description of former first lady Michelle Obama, claiming he meant no ill will when he called her “a man” after winning his bout at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.

“I thought I was giving her a compliment,” he said on "The Ariel Helwani Show," prompting the host to inform him that no one received the remark that way.

“Michelle Obama being a man,” Hokit continued. “It’s like, she knows how to deal with adversity. She knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough.”

He added: “I thought it was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with freedom of speech.”

The fighter also emphasized he had no regrets over the comments, noting, “You’ll never hear me backtrack from what I say.”

Hokit made the controversial remarks shortly after he knocked out Derrick Lewis during their heavyweight showdown on June 14.

“Shout-out to Trump for having the balls to put some s--t like this on,” said the 28-year-old, who was personally selected by President Donald Trump to take part in the fight on the South Lawn in celebration of his 80th birthday.

He went on to thank his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” before looking directly into the camera and shouting: “Michelle Obama is a man, am I right America?”

Hokit was almost immediately met with backlash and criticism, including from UFC President Dana White

“I understand that the Obamas are public figures,” White said, “but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”

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