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A UFC fighter stirred up controversy following his victory at an event organized by former President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House. The event, named UFC Freedom 250, took place on Sunday and featured a total of seven matches. Trump was present at the event along with First Lady Melania Trump and UFC President Dana White.

After securing a second-round TKO win against Derrick Lewis, heavyweight Josh Hokit expressed his gratitude to Trump during a post-fight interview with commentator Joe Rogan. He stated, "Shout-out to Trump for having the courage to host something like this." Following this, Hokit thanked "my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" and made a controversial statement implying that Michelle Obama is a man, a baseless claim that has circulated among conspiracy theorists for years. Reports indicate that Trump, who was seated near the ring, briefly smiled at the comment.

UFC later shared a clip of Hokit's post-fight interview on social media, but the segment containing the remark about Obama was omitted.

After the fight, Hokit placed a medallion around Trump's neck, which the president later took off. The comment received backlash online, including criticism from former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who addressed the clip during a livestream. This was not the first instance of Hokit making such remarks; he previously claimed that WNBA player Brittney Griner was a man during a post-fight interview in January. Rogan had responded at that time by saying, "Brittney Griner catching strays." When asked about the earlier comment, White remarked, "I heard about it. I didn't see it. I don't love it."

Hokit also drew attention during the weigh-in for UFC Freedom 250, appearing unsteady and vomiting. He later joked, "So what, maybe I was drinking last night." The event was part of the celebrations for Trump's 80th birthday and was attended by supporters, administration members, and UFC personalities.