UFC’s Josh Hokit Explains His ‘Michelle Obama Is a Man’ Comment
UFC’s Josh Hokit Explains His ‘Michelle Obama Is a Man’ Comment
Evolve EditorsWed, June 24, 2026 at 8:22 AM UTC
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Photo Credit: @ArielHelwani / YouTube
UFC fighter Josh Hokit has broken his silence on his post-fight remark about Michelle Obama. He appeared on a podcast to explain the comment. However, Hokit stopped short of any apology.
Josh Hokit refuses to take back his comment on Michelle Obama
Josh Hokit got backlash on June 14 when he grabbed Joe Rogan's microphone seconds after beating Derrick Lewis at the White House's UFC Freedom 250 event and yelled, "And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?" The remark stunned the Washington, D.C., crowd and was criticized across social media. A week later, Hokit sat down with Ariel Helwani — not to apologise, but to explain.
He told Helwani he believed he was paying Michelle Obama a compliment, describing his logic as: "She knows how to deal with adversity. She knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough." The fighter also cast the moment as a statement on American freedom. "I thought it was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with freedom of speech," he said, suggesting that making such a remark elsewhere in the world could cost someone their life.
When it came to an apology, Hokit had none to offer. "That's one thing about my career. … You'll never hear me backtrack from what I say," he stated. UFC CEO Dana White, who typically defends fighters facing free speech controversies, took an unusual step by condemning Hokit.
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In a statement to Time magazine, White wrote, "I understand that the Obamas are public figures 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."
The White House sidestepped questions about the post-fight interview. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told reporters, "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."
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
The post UFC's Josh Hokit Explains His 'Michelle Obama Is a Man' Comment appeared first on Reality Tea.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
