Israel Adesanya in disbelief at Josh Hokit’s UFC White House speech: ‘He’s trying to put a red dot on his own head’

Israel Adesanya has weighed in on Josh Hokit's controversial post-fight speech at the UFC White House event, expressing concern that the undefeated heavyweight may have crossed a line with his colorful remarks.

Hokit delivered a dominant performance against Derrick Lewis on Sunday before delivering a provocative post-fight promo that included an offensive reference to former First Lady Michelle Obama. Speaking on Demetrious Johnson's MightyCast podcast, Adesanya acknowledged the value of personality in building a fighting profile but cautioned that Hokit's approach carries risks.

"He's trying to put a red dot on his own head," Adesanya said, referencing comedian Joan Rivers as an example of someone whose controversial statements had serious consequences. "Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom of consequences, but I think he can handle the consequences."

Hokit, who improved to 4-0 since his 2025 UFC debut, has built a reputation for unfiltered commentary and theatrical persona shifts that generate conversation during fight weeks. His victories over perennial contenders Lewis and Curtis Blaydes have rapidly elevated his heavyweight standing. Adesanya also criticized Hokit's fight strategy against Lewis, suggesting he deliberately prolonged the bout by declining to finish an armbar submission in the first round to extend the spectacle into a second round.

Despite his reservations about Hokit's showmanship, Adesanya acknowledged the fighter's legitimate skills. Looking ahead, Adesanya expects Hokit's ongoing feud with former two-division champion Alex Pereira to develop, though Pereira's recent knockout loss to Ciryl Gane in an interim heavyweight title bout may send him back to light heavyweight. Still, Adesanya believes the Hokit-Pereira matchup could become a significant heavyweight clash. "That's a big fight," he concluded.