US3 min(s) read
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."
