UFC Freedom 250 Sparks Outrage Over Josh Hokit's Michelle Obama Remarks

WHO:

Yahoo - White House Communications Director Steven Cheung praised Josh Hokit for his performance at the MMA event, stating, "He had a great win last night. He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground."

Sportskeeda - Andy Signore criticized Joe Rogan for not calling out Josh Hokit after his controversial remark about Michelle Obama, stating Rogan should be "ashamed" for his silence.

Newsweek - Lindsey Graham joined Dana White in calling out Josh Hokit over his comments about Michelle Obama.

Sportskeeda - Andy Signore criticized Joe Rogan for not calling out Josh Hokit after his controversial remark about Michelle Obama.

Newsweek - Lindsey Graham joined Dana White in calling out Josh Hokit over his comments about Michelle Obama.

Sportskeeda - Dana White, UFC president and CEO

Variety - Jon Stewart, host of "The Daily Show"

ESPN - Josh Hokit, UFC heavyweight fighter; Michelle Obama, former first lady; Derrick Lewis, Hokit’s opponent

WHAT:

Yahoo - The White House did not address Josh Hokit's derogatory comment about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview, moving on without further mention of the comment.

Daily Mail Sports - Josh Hokit, who was previously an NFL player, made a derogatory remark about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview at a White House event hosted by the Trump administration.

ESPN - Hokit stated, "Michelle Obama is a man," during a post-fight interview after winning a fight at UFC Freedom 250.

ESPN - Hokit presented President Trump with a chain and praised him during the same interview.

Sportskeeda - Andy Signore criticized Joe Rogan for not calling out Josh Hokit after his controversial remark about Michelle Obama, stating that Rogan should be "ashamed" for his silence.

Sportskeeda - Andy Signore stated that Joe Rogan should be "ashamed" for his silence regarding Hokit's remarks.

Newsweek - Josh Hokit repeated false claims about Michelle Obama during a White House event, sparking backlash.

Sportskeeda - Dana White publicly distanced himself from Josh Hokit's controversial post-fight comments following UFC Freedom 250, stating, "I hate that kind of nonsense."

Variety - Jon Stewart criticized Josh Hokit on Monday night’s episode of “The Daily Show,” referring to him as a "F—ing A–hole" for his comments about Michelle Obama.

ESPN - Hokit did not directly address his post-fight comments but wrote on Instagram, "I'm not here to be liked. I'm not here to be a role model. I don't care. I'm here to succeed."

ESPN - Hokit had to be removed from the stage during a news conference promoting the UFC White House card in May after verbally attacking multiple fighters.

ESPN - Josh Hokit made a controversial remark stating, "Michelle Obama is a man," during a post-fight interview after winning a fight at UFC Freedom 250.

ESPN - Hokit presented President Trump with a chain and praised him during the same interview.

ESPN - Hokit called out UFC heavyweight Alex Pereira after his victory.

Variety - Jon Stewart criticized Hokit, calling him a "F—ing A–hole" for his comments about Michelle Obama.

ESPN - Dana White condemned Hokit’s remarks, stating he is "completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families."

WHERE:

ESPN - The event took place on the South Lawn of the White House.

ESPN - A watch party for UFC Freedom 250 was held on the Ellipse, where tens of thousands of people gathered.

WHEN:

ESPN - UFC Freedom 250 occurred on a Sunday night.

ESPN - Hokit made a derogatory remark about Brittney Griner during a post-fight interview at UFC 324 in January.

WHY:

Yahoo - Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy stated, "There was one moment I do think Trump has to denounce, and anybody associated with it has to denounce... He made a derogatory comment about Michelle Obama."

ESPN - Hokit stated, "I'm not here to be liked. I'm not here to be a role model. I don't care. I'm here to succeed," indicating his motivation for making controversial statements.

HOW:

ESPN - Dana White condemned Hokit's remarks, stating he is "completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families."

ESPN - Dana White condemned Hokit's post-fight statement in a text message to Time Magazine, stating, "I understand that the Obama's are public figures but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families."

Newsweek - Lindsey Graham and Dana White both publicly condemned Hokit for his comments, emphasizing the need for accountability.

ESPN - Dana White mentioned that he does not tell fighters what to say, emphasizing that comments will be interpreted differently by various individuals regardless of the location.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung praised Josh Hokit for his impressive performance at an MMA event, highlighting his toughness and ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground. However, the White House did not address Hokit's derogatory comment about Michelle Obama made during a post-fight interview, choosing to move on without further mention. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy emphasized that Trump and anyone associated with him should denounce Hokit's remarks about Michelle Obama.