Jon Stewart used Monday’s monologue on “The Daily Show” to slam UFC Freedom 250 as a “god awful mockery,” then turned his fire on his own corporate parent, Paramount Skydance, for its role in the White House event’s broadcast and coverage.
Jon Stewart didn’t just go after the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 celebration—he went after the company behind it.
During Monday’s monologue for “The Daily Show,” the comedian attacked the event as “a god awful mockery of an event,” framing it as a brand of sports entertainment that missed the point and, in Stewart’s telling, dragged national pride into the ring.
He also singled out the broadcast itself, asking who would “even [air] this embarrassing s–t,” before rolling footage that showed Paramount+ was responsible for streaming the fight.
Stewart’s frustration wasn’t abstract. He pointed to a Monster energy drink banner covering Trump during the event. suggesting the editors were “just taunting the old man. ” a jab tied to the president’s recent bouts of tiredness in the Oval Office. Then Stewart widened the scope of his complaint—criticizing the broadcast for devaluing both combat sports and the country. while questioning the decision-making behind what aired and why.
The corporate angle hit harder because Stewart’s criticism landed on Paramount Skydance, his own corporate parent. The company played a role in bringing about President Donald Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event, and Stewart made sure the connection didn’t get lost.
For a moment, Stewart even leaned into the absurdity by jokingly walking back his stance. “And what a fine event it was. ” he said. before adding. “Once once again. the leaders of Paramount+ providing us all with incredible content at reasonable prices.” He then declared. “I am proud to stand with the Paramount family and whatever shows they decide to either cancel or put on.”.
But when “The Daily Show” editors played the most controversial moment of the night, Stewart didn’t hold back. He blasted UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit after the fighter called Michelle Obama “a man” during a post-fight interview. saying. “What a f–king asshole.” Stewart then joked about looking forward to Hokit’s next appearance—“I look forward to his performance on next week’s ‘Comics Unleashed’ … I’ll let myself out.”.
Stewart’s monologue also appeared to reference Stephen Colbert. whose “The Late Show” was canceled after the comedian mocked Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Trump. Colbert’s show was replaced by Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed. ” though CBS executives defended the cancellation decision as purely financial.
“The Daily Show” airs weeknights at 11 p.m. ET on Comedy Central. A representative for Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Jon Stewart The Daily Show Paramount Skydance Paramount+ UFC Freedom 250 Donald Trump Josh Hokit Michelle Obama UFC Comedy Central Stephen Colbert Comics Unleashed