Josh Hokit says he’ll ‘never’ regret Michelle Obama’s vulgar remarks, insists he’s ‘proud’ of controversy ahead of UFC title fight

UFC’s Josh Hokit says he’ll ‘never’ regret Michelle Obama’s vulgar remarks Josh Hokit is not apologizing for comments about former first lady Michelle Obama that drew widespread condemnation after he won the White House earlier this year. The undefeated heavyweight instead defended his decision to comment, insisting the setup was appropriate and that the controversy helped build his public profile ahead of his first UFC championship opportunity.

Josh Hokit doubled down on Michelle Obama’s pre-UFC 334 remarks

Hokit reiterated his stance during a media appearance at a New York hotel on Wednesday, November 11, two days before he challenges Cyril Gane for the UFC heavyweight championship in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden.When asked if he regretted his remarks about Obama, the 28-year-old was unequivocal.“I never look back and be like, I regret it,” Hokit said.Wearing a black stocking cap over an American flag scarf, sunglasses and combat gloves, the heavyweight acknowledged that insulting the former first lady was not the right thing to do. But he said he was proud that the controversy had brought him attention, including appearing in posts shared by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social.Hokit described himself as “using villain rap” before venturing into what he called freestyle rap to strengthen his position. He also defended his remarks at the White House, saying the placement represented free speech.“I’m here to take what’s mine,” Hokit said. “If I have to rub some people the wrong way, if I have to say some (things) in the wrong place, that’s it. Wasn’t it a good place to say it? I mean, we’re in the White House. That house represents free speech. So it is what it is. I think it was the perfect place to say it.”His comments came after he once again directed a series of crude insults at other fighters on the UFC 334 card during Wednesday’s appearance.

What Josh Hokit said about Michelle Obama in the White House

The controversy began on June 14, 2026, when Hokit used his Octagon interview with Joe Rogan to repeat an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory targeting Michelle Obama.After his TKO victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, an event hosted on the White House South Lawn to mark Trump’s 80th birthday, Hokit declared: “Michelle Obama is the man, am I right, America?The remark drew criticism from across the political and sporting worlds. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called Hokit an “idiot” and argued that the comments detracted from the festive atmosphere of the event. Democratic lawmakers and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III were also among those who condemned the attack.Trump subsequently shared posts with Hokit on Truth Social. One depicted the heavyweight in cartoon form alongside UFC boss Dana White inside a White House briefing room, giving the fighter further exposure as the controversy continued.However, White made it clear that he did not approve of Hokit’s remarks. The UFC boss described them as “ugly”, “fake” and “gross”, stressing that the fighter’s views do not represent the organisation. White also acknowledged that he gave Hokit tough opponents during his rise up the heavyweight ranks because he didn’t like “anything Josh Hokit says”.

Josh Hokit goes undefeated against Cyril Gane

Hokit’s remarks have returned to the spotlight as he prepares for the biggest match of his career. The 28-year-old enters UFC 334 with an unbeaten 10-0 professional record and has won all six of his fights since his promotion in 2025.His victory over Lewis at the White House has been the highlight of his UFC career so far, but Saturday’s contest has significantly more sporting significance. A win over Gan would make Hokit the UFC heavyweight champion, putting him atop the division in which the Frenchman is the reigning titleholder.Gane presents a crucial test for an undefeated contender who has built much of his public profile through his outspoken demeanor outside the cage. Hokit has shown little interest in backing away from that approach, though his comments about Obama continue to draw criticism.For now, he seems content to accept the consequences of the attention he has generated. His immediate task, however, is to turn an unbeaten record and growing public profile into a championship victory at Madison Square Garden.