The UFC Freedom 250, as expected, was a big event. With many big fights and a massive celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, many great moments were produced in a historic night. But a former NFL player stole the headlines after his performance, and not for a good reason.
Why Dave Portnoy Wants Donald Trump to Denounce Josh Hokit’s UFC Freedom Comments
Josh Hokit won his fight against Derrick Lewis, extending his MMA record to 10-0 and firmly putting himself in contention for the belt. His post-fight interview with Joe Rogan was going normally, but at the end, out of nowhere, he shouted a phrase that even Rogan was bemused to see:
“And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
Hokit is known for his controversial comments, but based on the nature of the event, the slur seemed to cross multiple lines. Even those who are accustomed to contentious moments could not believe what he said.
Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, denounced Hokit’s comments, but the other main character involved in promoting the event still hasn’t said anything. And NFL analyst Dave Portnoy called out Donald Trump to denounce the slur as well.
“I do think Trump has to denounce, and everybody associated with it has to denounce,” Portnoy said. “And that’s a crazy fighter guy… He won the fight, he took the microphone and made a derogatory comment about Michelle Obama.”
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“To me, that, on the White House lawn, on an event you put down, I don’t care about what you think about the Obamas. That has to be an immediate denounce.”
Trump has not made any public comment about the incident. However, right after Hokit’s words, he was seen taking off the Hokit chain he was wearing. White, on the other hand, had no doubts about his view on the incident.
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“I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense,” the UFC CEO said.
Hokit, who joined the Fresno State Bulldogs as a walk-on, went undrafted after four years with the university. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers and spent two seasons as part of their practice squad.
He later signed with the Arizona Cardinals in August 2022 but was released five days later and never signed with another team, effectively ending his football career.
