UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit isn’t backing down from the controversial comment that overshadowed his victory at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn.
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show this week, Hokit defended his post-fight remark about former First Lady Michelle Obama and insisted it was never intended as an insult.
“I thought I was giving her a compliment,” Hokit said.
When Helwani questioned how anyone could view the comment that way, Hokit offered an explanation that only added to the controversy.
“Michelle Obama being a man, that’s like, she knows how to deal with adversity. She knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough,” Hokit said.
The remark stems from Hokit’s June 14 victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, where he closed his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan by declaring, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
The comment immediately generated backlash, including criticism from UFC CEO Dana White.
White told the Los Angeles Times he is “completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” adding, “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
Hokit, however, said he viewed the moment as an opportunity to make a statement about free speech.
“I thought it was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with the freedom of speech,” he said.
Asked whether he regretted the comment, Hokit made it clear he has no plans to apologize.
“That’s one thing about my career,” Hokit said. “You’ll never hear me backtrack from what I say.”
Despite the criticism, Hokit remains one of the UFC’s fastest-rising heavyweight contenders, improving to 4-0 in the promotion with his win over Lewis.