UFC’s Dana White Denounces Fighter’s Comments About Michelle Obama

UFC CEO Dana White denounced fighter Josh Hokit for calling former first lady Michelle Obama “a man” at Sunday’s Freedom 250 event at the White House.

“I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White told Time magazine in a text message. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who backed Trump in 2024, called on the president to condemn Hokit’s comment.

“When you have that on the White House lawn, on an event you put down, I don’t care what you think about the Obamas or anything, that has to be an immediate denounce,” Portnoy said. “If Trump should denounce it, he should say that was totally wrong.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Hokit’s statement. Michelle Obama’s representatives also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hokit, a heavyweight, won his bout against UFC legend Derrick Lewis. During a post-match interview, Hokit thanked President Donald Trump for putting on the event before making the disparaging comment about Obama.

“Michelle Obama is a man,” Hokit told podcaster Joe Rogan, who interviewed Hokit after the fight. “Am I right, America?”

Rogan did not immediately address the comment or ask a follow-up question about it.

Inclement weather and lawsuits threatened to derail the event, which served as the kickoff to celebrations for the country’s 250th birthday. White told reporters that despite the “amazing experience,” future UFC events at the White House would be tough to afford.

“I can’t afford it,” White said. “It will never happen again.”