US3 min(s) read
Published 11:46 16 Jun 2026 GMT
CNN host Kaitlan Collins has drawn attention to Donald Trump's reaction after a UFC fighter made a controversial comment about former First Lady Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview at the UFC Freedom 250 event.
The moment unfolded after fighter Josh Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis at the June 14 event. During his victory speech inside the octagon, Hokit ended his comments with a provocative statement, shouting into the microphone: "And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man, am I right America?"
After making the comment, Hokit quickly left the octagon while UFC commentator Joe Rogan watched him exit before telling the crowd: "Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit."
Attention soon shifted to Trump's reaction, as the president was seated ringside during the exchange.
Footage showed Trump removing a chain that Hokit had previously placed around his neck. While he appeared to briefly smile, he was also seen taking off the necklace shortly after the fighter's comments.
Discussing the footage on CNN, Collins narrated: "So as Hokit wraps up his interview and walks away, you can see the president there on the other side of the ring. He can be seen sort of half smiling as there's a mixture of cheers and boos." She added that when CNN sought comment about Hokit's statement, "the White House refused to directly address the question."
The incident quickly sparked debate online, with social media users offering differing interpretations of Trump's reaction and the timing of him removing the chain.
One commenter criticized UFC leadership, arguing: "Dana White calls it 'nasty and false' but if someone hopped in the ring and said something antisemitic or called Melania Trump a 'paid hooker,' he would have terminated their contract before they even left the ring. His fake outrage is bulls**t because he know it! F**k him!"
Others suggested the necklace removal was unrelated to the controversial jibe. One person also wrote: "He probably removed it as the fight was over and he didn't want to be wearing a f**king Josh Hokit chain all night."
Another called the fighter's statement inappropriate, saying: "It was a classless comment. We get it. There’s comedy. But why throw shots at a former president's wife. Incredibly low class and hope Dana clips this dude."
A fourth user also downplayed any connection between the comment and Trump's actions, writing: "Extremely doubtful the two had anything to do with each other. He had just had it put around his neck and he took it off when the idiot stopped talking."
In the aftermath of the controversy, UFC President Dana White publicly distanced himself from Hokit's comments. In a text message to Time Magazine, White said: "I understand that the Obamas are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families." He continued: "Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense."
The UFC Freedom 250 event was held on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate Trump's 80th birthday. The gathering reportedly featured members of the Trump family alongside several high-profile guests, including Jack Osbourne, Mark Zuckerberg, Tyson Fury, Conor Benn, and members of the Trump administration.
