Highlights! UFC White House Presser Ends In Near Brawl Between Topuria And Hokit

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: Josh Hokit is seen on stage during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

The Octagon stars aligned earlier tonight (Fri., May 8, 2026) for the UFC White House pre-fight presser from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in preparation for the long-awaited Freedom 250 fight card this coming June on the White House lawn.

Leading the way at UFC’s anticipated White House card is a main event clash between UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. In addition, former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will move up to heavyweight and try to win a record-setting third belt when he meets Ciryl Gane for interim UFC heavyweight gold.

The rest of the historic card will be rounded out by former UFC champions, rising stars, and all-around exciting American fighters. This includes rising heavyweight contender Josh Hokit, who squares off with knockout king Derrick Lewis. Hokit, who has many characters at his disposal, actually shut down Friday’s presser with his trash talk towards Topuria and Pereira. At one point, Topuria actually threw his water on Hokit, who was eventually ushered off stage.