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Published 08:27 19 Jun 2026 GMT
Following a harsh comment made by heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit at a sporting event last weekend US President Donald Trump removed an accessory, reportedly in a bold statement against the champion.
The controversy was sparked at UFC Freedom 250, an event commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States, with a series of fights at the White House.
While the spectacle attracted millions of viewers, it was a comment made by fast-rising heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit that has received the most attention from both fans and critics.
Moments after he took down Derrick Lewis, the UFC fighter called former first lady Michelle Obama “a man”, in a post-fight interview.
Trump initially broke a half smile at the fighter’s crude comment and muttered something to the person sitting next to him, but from a different camera angle, he was spotted removing a chain necklace with Hokit’s card from around his neck.
Although the gesture suggests that Trump did not support the rude remark, the White House refused to condemn the comment.
The chain was put around the President’s neck by the victorious champion himself while he celebrated his win over Lewis. It was cheerfully accepted by Trump while he shook Hokit’s hand.
According to CNN, when the White House was asked about the matter, communications director Steven Cheung said: "He (Hokit) had a great win last night. He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground."
However, Trump’s dislike for the Obama family is no secret. Earlier this year, the president shared a video of the former president and his wife’s faces edited onto apes. After the post was labelled as racist, he was asked to apologize, but instead he blamed a staff member and insisted that he “didn’t make a mistake.”
The Obamas have not responded to the insult made by Hokit, which has since gone viral.
The comment was made during an interview that was just a day after a video of Hokit’s weigh-in for the Freedom 250 went viral, as he appeared to be extremely drunk and vomited on himself between sentences.
Despite the disgusting display, the rising UFC star seemed unfazed by his unprofessional appearance and said to the crowd: “So what, maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn't be. I have a giant black man that wants to knock me out."
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Published 16:27 17 Nov 2020 GMT
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Published 13:34 15 Jun 2026 GMT
UFC Freedom 250 took place on Sunday night (June 14) at the White House, in commemoration of the USA's 250th birthday and also for Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
As expected, controversy sparked at the event with millions of viewers watching, and one fighter made an outlandish comment that stole headlines.
Josh Hokit emerged victorious against Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight bout, and the 28-year-old took the opportunity to fire shots at none other than Michelle Obama - for some reason.
First, he shot an insult at a potential opponent in Alex Pereira, saying: “Alex Pereira I wanna chama on your mama”.
He then said to conclude the post-fight interview on Sunday: "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?"
But now, a lip reader has decoded what Trump said to the fighter after his controversial comment.
At the star-studded event, which had the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Tyson Fury in attendance, it was an exchange between Trump and Hokit that made headlines.
Moments after Hokit's win by technical KO, Hokit was interviewed by UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, who prepared for some controversial comments.
Rogan was shocked and swiftly moved on, saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit.”
It isn't known why Hokit hit out at the former First Lady, though he is known for his unique personality.
After this, a lip reader noticed Trump speaking to Hokit after the UFC event, which was held at the White House for the first time, decoding what was said.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Jeremy Freeman revealed what was allegedly said between the pair.
The President, who after having a chain put around his neck by the fighter, allegedly said: “Too kind, thank you. You are the champion.”
The event was part of the Trump administration’s celebrations of the USA’s 250th birthday, with the sports event on the White House's lawn producing several shocking sights.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio compared the event to the groundbreaking moon landings in 1969. No, seriously.
Speaking at the event, he said: “When President Kennedy announced that we were going to put a man on the moon and return him safely to the earth, no one thought that was possible, and we did it,
“We are a nation founded on doing what no one else dared to do, and no one else aspired to do. And at some level, that’s what this whole company, what UFC has been.”
Some experts have claimed that the UFC fights may be symbolic of what MAGA and Trump stand for.
Sociology professor at SUNY Brockport, Kyle Green, told the Financial Times: “The UFC is probably the most visible Maga-coded thing there is right now.
"On the superficial level, it is about beating the other person up, about saying you are stronger, and saying you are tougher.”
Published 11:41 15 Jun 2026 GMT
Controversy was sparked at UFC Freedom 250, an event commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States, with a series of fights at the White House.
While the spectacle attracted millions of viewers, it was a comment made by fast-rising heavyweight fighter, Josh Hokit, that has received the most attention from both fans and critics.
Moments after he took down Derrick Lewis, the UFC fighter called former first lady Michelle Obama “a man”, in a post-fight interview.
After winning against Lewis following a technical knockout, Hokit was interviewed by podcaster Joe Rogan.
As those familiar with his personality braced themselves for controversial quotes, the first thing he said in the interview was calling out the new heavyweight contender, Alex Pereira.
Either insulting or mocking his competition, he said: “Alex Pereira I wanna chama on your mama”.
Closing the interview on Sunday, Hokit, completely out of pocket, said: "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right America?"
While his reason for hitting out at the former president Barack Obama’s wife is unknown, Hokit is known for his unique personality and lack of traditional media training.
The interview comes just a day after a video of Hokit’s weigh-in for the Freedom 250 went viral as he appeared to be extremely drunk and vomited on himself between sentences.
Despite the disgusting display, the rising UFC star seemed unfazed by his unprofessional appearance and said to the crowd: “So what, maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn't be. I have a giant black man that wants to knock me out."
Nicknamed "The Incredible Hoke”, the MMA star built his career on the 49ers' practice squad in the NFL as a fullback after playing football at Fresno State.
The weekend’s event, UFC Freedom 250, was held on the White House lawn as part of the many celebrations commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
A towering structure nicknamed “The Claw” was erected on the White House lawn and stood taller than the presidential residency itself.
The lawn was opened up to 4,500 fans with space allocated for 100,000 more people to watch the action for free on screens just outside the grounds.
The event kicked off with President Donald Trump emerging from the Oval Office first, then fighters from around the globe following him into the fight cage.
Published 11:54 15 Jun 2026 GMT
Former two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has come under fire after a social media post picturing him at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, where he praised Donald Trump.
Fury, who made his boxing comeback in December, having initially announced his retirement from the sport, made a surprise appearance at the event hosted by the Trump administration and UFC head honcho, Dana White, to celebrate Trump’s 80th birthday.
When speaking to reporters present, Fury had confirmed that he was there to make an announcement alongside White, who has recently made a foray into the world of boxing, having launched his promotional company Zuffa Boxing.
Yet, the touted announcement never materialized, leaving fans perplexed. However, it was Fury’s choice of attire and later social media post that angered many of his followers.
Despite appearing in a shirtless designer suit, adorned with a silver, diamond-encrusted crucifix, it was actually his choice of headwear that had people talking.
Emblazoned across his cap was the phrase “Donald Trump for Prime Minister,” accompanied by the flags of the USA and the UK. Posing for a picture with wife, Paris, Fury can be seen pointing towards the cap, as well as using the caption: “@realdonaldtrump for Prime Minister #makebritaingreatagain”.
The boxer also posed for a picture with White, Mark Zuckerberg, and Trump himself.
With Trump’s administration steeped in controversy, Fury’s declaration understandably drew criticism, with some of his followers reacting furiously, and even unfollowing his Instagram page which has 6.9 million followers.
The comment section didn’t make for pretty reading for Fury, nor did his diminishing follower numbers, with many condemning his stance.
One user wrote: “Was a fan until this post…”
Another added: “Can’t be a Trump supporter and a follower of Christ.”
While many took to the comments to voice their dismay, some rushed to the Gypsy King’s defence, with a follower saying: “Omg who knew Tyson had so many lefty followers.”
The boxing icon, who has only lost twice in his decorated career, has made a name off the back of often being controversial, so this latest post may not come as a great surprise to those who have followed his career.
Michelle Obama has accused incumbent President Donald Trump of spreading "racist lies" in a passionate Instagram post.
Per The Independent, taking to her official Instagram account, the 56-year-old former First Lady shared an image of herself and her husband Barack Obama attending Donald Trump's inauguration outside the White House back in January of 2017.
Michelle Obama once compared Trump's presidency to "living with a divorced dad":
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In an emotional caption addressed to her 44 million followers, Obama criticized Trump for pushing "groundless conspiracy theories", and reflected on how she was forced to put her personal feelings on the Republican leader aside in order to ensure a smooth administrative transition.
Michelle Obama wrote: "This week, I’ve been reflecting a lot on where I was four years ago. Hillary Clinton had just been dealt a tough loss by a far closer margin than the one we’ve seen this year. I was hurt and disappointed - but the votes had been counted and Donald Trump had won.
"We invited the folks from the president-elect’s team into our offices and prepared detailed memos for them, offering what we’d learned over the past eight years."
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She continued:
"I have to be honest and say that none of this was easy for me. Donald Trump had spread racist lies about my husband that had put my family in danger. That wasn’t something I was ready to forgive.
"But I knew that, for the sake of our country, I had to find the strength and maturity to put my anger aside. So I welcomed Melania Trump into the White House and talked with her about my experience, answering every question she had."
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Obama added: "I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do - because our democracy is so much bigger than anybody’s ego. Our love of country requires us to respect the results of an election even when we don’t like them or wish it had gone differently - the presidency doesn’t belong to any one individual or any one party.
"To pretend that it does, to play along with these groundless conspiracy theories - whether for personal or political gain - is to put our country’s health and security in danger."
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A number of Instagram users swiftly took to the comments to praise Obama for speaking so candidly.
For instance, one person wrote: "Thank you for the example you provided for what a real President and First Lady do during a time like this."
Meanwhile, someone else added: "This is what we all needed to hear. Thank you for constantly being a beacon of hope to all of us."
Michelle and Barack Obama have openly pledged their support for former VEEP and projected POTUS Joe Biden throughout the 2020 election.
But in a recent interview with Gayle King on CBS Sunday Morning, the former president claimed that his wife Michelle would "leave him" if he ever decided to join Biden's cabinet.
Published 13:31 15 Feb 2026 GMT
Barack Obama is speaking out after President Donald Trump shared a video on social media depicting the former president and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The clip, which was later deleted, sparked backlash from Democrats and Republicans alike and reignited tensions between the two political figures.
During an interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, the 44th President of the United States addressed the controversy head on, criticizing what he described as troubling behavior from the current administration. Obama suggested that many Americans are uneasy with Trump’s online activity and broader public conduct.
The remarks mark one of Obama’s most direct responses to Trump in recent months, as debate over political rhetoric and standards of conduct continues to dominate headlines.
In the interview, Obama referred to both the social media posts and the administration’s public behaviors as a "clown show" and expressed concern about what he sees as a decline in standards tied to the presidency. He also lamented the loss of "decorum" and "propriety" in connection with the nation’s highest office.
The video at the center of the controversy was posted to President Trump’s official Truth Social account last week before being removed. The clip drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially pushed back on the outrage, telling TMZ to "stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public."
However, some members of the president’s own party publicly rebuked the post. Republican Senator Tim Scott described it as "the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House."
President Trump later shifted responsibility to an unnamed White House staffer and maintained he did not need to apologize. In a separate clip, he insisted he "DIDN'T MAKE A MISTAKE."
Obama, for his part, said the American people would ultimately decide how they feel about the administration’s actions when they head to the ballot box.
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