Dana White Turns Attention To Josh Hokit’s White House Remark After Bruce Buffer Incident

Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama remark sparks bigger UFC 334 controversy.© NDTV Photo Library

Dana White has said Josh Hokit's earlier comment about Michelle Obama was a bigger issue than the heavyweight's decision to flip off Bruce Buffer at UFC 334. White made the remarks at the post-fight press conference after Hokit's introduction at Madison Square Garden drew an awkward reaction from the veteran announcer. Hokit raised his middle finger toward Buffer during his walkout introduction before challenging Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title. The gesture appeared connected to Buffer's recent criticism of Hokit's conduct, including his remarks about the former first lady at UFC Freedom 250 in June.

White calls Michelle Obama's comment more serious

“Yeah, it was pretty crazy, yeah,” Dana White said. “I think that threw Buffer off a lot. Nobody has flipped Buffer off before. Did it cross the line? Everything that guy does crosses a line.”

White then pointed to Hokit's comment at the White House as the more serious issue.

“Look at what he said on the White House lawn in a fight that's about America's 250th birthday that's supposed to be for everybody. I would rather have him flip Bruce Buffer every single fight than him to say that s***.”

White had previously called the Michelle Obama remark “gross” and "inappropriate". He said he did not hear it live but learned of it shortly after the event ended.

Hokit refuses to apologise after controversial White House interview

Josh Hokit commented on knocking out Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn in June. During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he said, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”

The remark drew immediate backlash, with Dana White calling it “disgusting” and Daniel Cormier describing it as “irresponsible, nasty, horrible, and unnecessary". Hokit has refused to apologise, saying he does not regret what he said.

Hokit defended the White House as a venue for his comments, arguing that the building represents freedom of speech. “I'm here to be remembered,” he said. “If I've got to rub some people the wrong way, if I've got to say some s*** in the wrong location, it is what it is.”

Buffer's criticism sparked the moment

Bruce Buffer had criticised Hokit's conduct in an interview with streamer N3on before UFC 334. “He can fight, but I don't like what he talks about,” Buffer said. “I think he's disrespectful… It's like, show some class.”

Buffer also said he did not appreciate Hokit's comments at the White House, particularly because young people look up to sporting personalities. The disagreement between the two was unresolved heading into the main event.

Hokit's gesture added another layer to a night that already carried tension. He went on to lose a unanimous decision to Gane, dropping his record to 10-1.