UFC CEO Dana White pushed back after Josh Hokit drew major backlash for saying Michelle Obama “is a man” during his post-fight interview at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. White said he’s “completely against” nasty, false claims about people’s families whi
UFC CEO Dana White didn’t just distance himself from Josh Hokit’s comments—he took a clear stance against them.
After Hokit received major backlash for calling former first lady Michelle Obama “a man” during his post-fight interview at UFC Freedom 250, White responded in a text message to Time on Monday, June 15.
“I understand that the Obama’s [sic] are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White, 56, wrote. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
The comment came after Hokit, 28, defeated Derrick Lewis at the event on Sunday, June 14. UFC Freedom 250 took place at the White House—specifically on the front lawn to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S.—with President Donald Trump among the spectators.
During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Hokit made the statement: “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
The White House did not respond to Time’s request for comment about Hokit’s remarks.
Hokit’s line landed in a week that already carried friction around the UFC’s White House staging. Rogan had earlier called the setup “odd,” saying, “The White House thing is odd. I don’t like it.” In a May episode of his “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. he also said he didn’t like the idea of fighting outside at all. pointing to weather concerns. “I just don’t think you should compete in a world championship fight in a non-controlled environment. It should be inside an air-conditioned arena,” Rogan said. “You wouldn’t ask them to play a world championship basketball game outside in the sun. That would be crazy, right?. You play in a f***ing air-conditioned arena, and that’s how it should be.”.
Rogan also criticized the timing of the event. saying it sounded “very high security” and “weird” to have a fight at the White House while war in Iran was ongoing. “It sounds crazy. I know it’s going to be very high security and high stress and weird to have a fight at the White House in the middle of a f*** war. ” he said. “I’m going to be there. Allegedly. If there’s not a bomb that goes off between now and then. Who f***ing knows?. The world is crazy.”.
Even the controversy around performing there wasn’t new. Country music star Zac Brown defended his decision to take the stage. saying during an appearance on the Wednesday. June 10. edition of The Pat McAfee Show. “Man. I’m there for the troops. man. I’m there to honor America.” Brown. 47. added. “This is patriotism. not politics for me.” He also said. “I mean. f*** all the division. I don’t believe in that. ” explaining that he “love[s] this country” and “love[s] all the people that have sacrificed so that I can live my American dream and that everyone that lives here gets a chance to do that if they work hard and make the right decisions. So it doesn’t have a place in politics for me.”.
And while the broader debate around UFC Freedom 250 has included questions about safety, environment, and timing, White’s response zeroed in on the words themselves—especially when they targeted a family.
For now, the backlash has followed Hokit from the Octagon into the national conversation, while White’s message makes the UFC’s position on the remarks unmistakable.
Dana White Josh Hokit Michelle Obama UFC Freedom 250 Derrick Lewis Joe Rogan White House Donald Trump sports controversy
Kinda wild he said that.
Dana White talking about free speech but also he’s mad about “nasty and false” stuff. So which one is it? Also UFC at the White House was already weird like why are we doing that stuff anyway.
I mean Michelle Obama is a public figure so I guess it’s fair game? People say stuff like that all the time on podcasts then act shocked when it goes viral. But Dana’s right, don’t mess with families… except UFC is literally fighting on a lawn in front of Trump so idk.
This whole “Michelle Obama is a man” thing is just dumb, like it’s 2026 and people are still doing that weird bait. Dana White says he’s against nasty false claims but he’s been around crazier comments too. Also the White House thing, didn’t Rogan say it was odd because of the weather? So why is everyone only focusing on the word choice and not the fact they’re holding fights outside??