Dana White reacts to Josh Hokit’s ‘nasty’ Michelle Obama insult at UFC White House

Josh Hokit dominated Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, securing a decisive finish at the White House. However, Hokit's post-fight interview proved controversial when he made derogatory comments about former First Lady Michelle Obama.

During his interview with commentator Joe Rogan, after taking aim at Alex Pereira, Hokit stated: "Lastly, Michele Obama is a man. Am I right, America?"

UFC President Dana White responded to the remarks via text message to TIME, saying he opposed the comments despite his general stance on free speech. "I understand that the Obama's are public figures but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families," White wrote. "Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense."

The incident drew criticism beyond the MMA world. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury commented on social media, calling Hokit's remarks "disgusting" and referencing a previous incident in which Hokit became ill during his weigh-in. "The dude who puked on himself live on TV during his weigh in, is hurling insults at the former First Lady now? Disgusting. Welcome to the Trump Administration," she wrote.

This was not Hokit's first time making similar comments about Michelle Obama at a post-fight interview, but doing so on a UFC card at the White House with President Donald Trump octagon-side carried significantly greater visibility and consequence than his previous remarks on smaller LFA events.