Josh Hokit Defends Controversial Michelle Obama Comment, Challenges Cam Newton and Daniel Cormier
Josh Hokit has no intention of apologizing for his post-fight comments about Michelle Obama. The UFC heavyweight contender responded to critics on social media, namely former UFC heavyweight and UFC commentator Daniel Cormier and former NFL MVP Cam Newton, doubling down on his divisive rhetoric.
In his responses, Hokit insulted Cormier and challenged Newton to a physical confrontation.
Hokit's Comment
The controversy began after Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn. During his post-fight interview, Hokit said, "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right America?"
(Via UFC India on YouTube):
UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, who conducted the post-fight interview with Hokit, seemed to chuckle and smile at the comment. The remark, however, drew immediate backlash from UFC CEO Dana White, who called it "disgusting."
Daniel Cormier Responds
Daniel Cormier, who also provided commentary for UFC Freedom 250 alongside Rogan, was also present during Hokit's comment at the White House.
The former two-division UFC champion was one of the first to criticize Hokit publicly through an episode of his podcast on YouTube:
During the episode, Cormier remarked about Hokit's comments, saying, "It was horrible. That's the type of statement that divides our country. I hated that, it's gross. Get it together, dude."
Cormier also noted Hokit had trained in his gym and seemed like a "normal dude," but he "absolutely hated" the remark.
Hokit, the No. 4 heavyweight contender, fired back at Cormier on X:
I've been nothing but nice to this fat cow pig… I'm not here for unity, in reality there will never be unity… I come to divide people's faces… if you don't like it then come do something about it… https://t.co/hTrO4x0qK0
— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) June 20, 2026
"I've been nothing but nice to this fat cow pig," Hokit wrote. "I'm not here for unity; in reality, there will never be unity… I come to divide people's faces."
Hokit punctuated his post with a challenge to Cormier, saying, "If you don't like it, then come do something about it."
Cormier, who is well into his retirement, has not responded to Hokit's callout. Some fans, however, responded to Hokit's post, saying that Cormier would defeat Hokit in an MMA fight.
Cam Newton
Cam Newton, the former NFL MVP, also weighed in on his "4th & 1" podcast. Newton responded to the comment saying Hokit was "doing way too much."
"In our culture, we don't play about certain individuals," Newton said.
"That was tasteless. You're doing way too much," Newton remarked.
"He saw that regurgitating and had diarrhea out of that mouth," he added, possibly referencing Hokit's fake vomit stunt the night before his fight.
Again, Hokit responded directly to Newton on social media:
Tasteless lol I'd literally slap you tasteless and you wouldn't do anything about it.. https://t.co/j5O5CJo6Ze
— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) June 22, 2026
"Tasteless, lol I'd literally slap you tasteless, and you wouldn't do anything about it," Hokit wrote on X. He has not issued an apology for either the original comment or his responses.
Dana White has not announced any disciplinary action against Hokit. White recently cited his belief in free speech, noting he respects all presidents and their families during a press conference for UFC Vegas 119:
https://www.youtube.com/live/LowVXp_20xY?si=m_L39YF1TyJbZVkR
"Not everyone does, and you have to listen to stupid sh- like that sometimes, unfortunately, because I also believe in free speech," White said.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 9:53 PM.