Undefeated MMA heavyweight Josh Hokit has offered a peculiar explanation for his recent controversial remark targeting former First Lady Michelle Obama. Hokit, 28, stated that his declaration of "Michelle Obama is a man" at UFC Freedom 250 was intended as a compliment, asserting he believed it conveyed that she possesses strength and works hard.
"I thought I was giving her a compliment," Hokit told Ariel Helwani on his podcast. "I don't think anyone viewed it as Michelle Obama being a man. It's more like she knows how to deal with adversity, she knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough."
Hokit made the comment during a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan on June 14, following his victory over Derrick Lewis. President Donald Trump's 80th birthday was celebrated at the outdoor event, which was attended by many of his critics.
He further elaborated on his reasoning Tuesday, suggesting the remark was a performative display of the First Amendment. "It was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with the freedom of speech," Hokit said. "In other parts of the world, you say something like that and you die."
Despite the backlash, Hokit has refused to retract his statement. "You'll never hear me backtrack from what I say," he stated. His explanation further shifted to a cryptic comment about existing societal divisions. "There's a certain side that pokes at another side and there's no outrage there," Hokit said. "So I thought it was a perfect time to take a jab."
The fighter's comments have drawn criticism from within the UFC community and beyond. UFC president Dana White denounced the remarks, and legendary fighter Daniel Cormier strongly rebuked Hokit on his podcast. "The comments that he made in the Octagon just made no sense," Cormier declared. "It was irresponsible, it was nasty, it was horrible, and it was unnecessary."
Cormier expressed frustration that Hokit's remarks overshadowed a significant career achievement, suggesting the fighter could have gained new fans based on his performance alone. "Michelle Obama is as classy a person as you will ever meet," Cormier emphasized. "She's been a person that it should be hard to take shots at."
This is not the first time Hokit has made such an insult. He previously called WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner a man at a UFC event in January. At that time, White commented, "I heard about it. I didn't see it, I don't love it."
Hokit has doubled down on his stance, posting on Instagram that he is "not here to be liked. I'm not here to be a role model. I don't care. I'm here to succeed. I'll do whatever it takes to get where I want to go, and if you don't like it… Come beat me in a fight."