Josh Hokit has no intention of apologising for the remarks about former first lady Michelle Obama that drew widespread condemnation after his victory at the White House earlier this year. The undefeated heavyweight has instead defended his decision to make the comments, insisting that the setting was appropriate and that the controversy helped establish his public profile ahead of his first UFC championship opportunity.
Josh Hokit doubles down on Michelle Obama remarks ahead of UFC 334
Hokit reiterated his position during a media appearance at a New York hotel on Wednesday, November 11, two days before he challenges Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight championship in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden.Asked whether he regretted his comments about Obama, the 28-year-old was unequivocal.“I’ll never look back and be like, I regret that,” Hokit said.The heavyweight, who wore a black stocking cap over an American flag bandana, sunglasses and fight gloves, acknowledged that insulting the former first lady was not the right thing to do. However, he said he was proud that the controversy had brought him attention, including appearances in posts shared by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social.Hokit described himself as having “took the rap of a villain” before launching into what he called a freestyle rap to reinforce his position. He also defended making the remarks at the White House, arguing that the location represented freedom of speech.“I’m here to take what’s mine,” Hokit said. “If I’ve got to rub some people the wrong way, if I’ve got to say some (stuff) in the wrong location, it is what it is. Was it not a good location to say it? I mean, we’re at the White House. That house represents freedom of speech. So it is what it is. I think it was the perfect location to say it.”His comments came after he again directed a series of crude insults at other fighters on the UFC 334 card during Wednesday’s appearance.
What Josh Hokit said about Michelle Obama at the White House
The controversy began on June 14, 2026, when Hokit used his Octagon interview with Joe Rogan to repeat an unfounded conspiracy theory targeting Michelle Obama.Following his TKO victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, an event held on the White House South Lawn to mark Trump’s 80th birthday, Hokit declared: “Michelle Obama is a man, am I right, America?”The remark prompted criticism from across the political and sporting worlds. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called Hokit an “idiot”, arguing that the comments detracted from the celebratory atmosphere of the event. Democratic lawmakers and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III were also among those who condemned the attack.Trump subsequently shared posts featuring Hokit on Truth Social. One depicted the heavyweight in cartoon form alongside UFC chief Dana White inside the White House briefing room, giving the fighter further visibility as the controversy continued.White, however, made clear that he did not endorse Hokit’s remarks. The UFC chief described them as “nasty”, “false” and “gross”, stressing that the fighter’s views did not represent the organisation. White also acknowledged that he had given Hokit difficult opponents during his progression through the heavyweight rankings because he disliked “anything Josh Hokit says”.
Josh Hokit puts undefeated record on the line against Ciryl Gane
Hokit’s remarks have returned to the spotlight as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career. The 28-year-old enters UFC 334 with an unbeaten professional record of 10-0 and has won all six of his fights since joining the promotion in 2025.His victory over Lewis at the White House was the most prominent moment of his UFC career until now, but Saturday’s contest carries considerably greater sporting significance. A win over Gane would make Hokit the UFC heavyweight champion, placing him at the top of a division in which the Frenchman is the reigning titleholder.Gane represents a substantial test for an undefeated contender who has built much of his public profile through outspoken behaviour outside the cage. Hokit has shown little interest in retreating from that approach, even as his comments about Obama continue to attract criticism.For now, he appears content to accept the consequences of the attention he has generated. His immediate task, however, is to turn an unbeaten record and a growing public profile into a championship victory at Madison Square Garden.
