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Dana White announces late addition to UFC White House lineup
TL;DR
UFC CEO Dana White announced that Josh Hokit will fight Derrick Lewis at the UFC White House event on June 14, following a request from President Donald Trump. The event will also feature a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Health permitting, Josh Hokit has earned himself a spot at the UFC White House event. | Getty/UFC
At the request of President Donald Trump, the UFC White House card will have one more fight than originally anticipated.
UFC CEO Dana White announced on Saturday that Derrick Lewis will square off against Josh Hokit at the June 14 event. UFC White House takes place on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C., and is headlined by a lightweight title tilt pitting Ilia Topuria against Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will vie for the interim heavyweight belt.
Just prior to the announcement, Hokit had emerged from a three-round war against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 with a unanimous decision triumph. “The Incredible Hok” is 9-0 as a professional — including three triumphs in the UFC. Blaydes was by far the most significant victory of Hokit’s career to date, and the bout also stands out as a potential “Fight of the Year” contender for 2026.
How It All Came Together
"What's crazy is, organically, about an hour before [Hokit vs. Blaydes], the president said to me, 'Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?'" White said at the UFC 327 post-fight press conference. "I said I'll be back in five minutes. I went and called Derrick Lewis. I said, 'The president wants to know why you're not on the White House card.'
Q&A
What is the date and location of the UFC White House event?
The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14 and will take place on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C.
Who are the fighters competing in the main event of the UFC White House?
The main event features a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
What is Josh Hokit's professional MMA record before the UFC White House event?
Josh Hokit has an undefeated professional MMA record of 9-0, with three victories in the UFC.
