Josh Hokit, Ilia Topuria nearly come to blows in bizarre scene at UFC White House kickoff presser

TL;DR

During the UFC White House kickoff press conference, lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and heavyweight contender Josh Hokit nearly got into a physical altercation. Hokit, who is known for his provocative style, made disparaging remarks that led to Topuria's outburst and subsequent removal from the event.

Key points

Ilia Topuria and Josh Hokit nearly fought at a UFC press conference
Hokit is known for his outspoken antics
Hokit is scheduled to fight Derrick Lewis on June 14
Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane are fighting for an interim heavyweight title
Topuria reacted to Hokit’s insults, leading to his removal

Josh HokitIlia TopuriaDerrick LewisAlex Pereira

Everything leading up to the UFC White House event has already been bizarre. Friday’s kickoff press conference in Newark only made things stranger, as lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and heavyweight contender Josh Hokit nearly got into a fight on stage.

Hokit, known for his variety of outspoken gimmicks, took the mic as he always does and hurled verbal jabs at anyone in sight. Set to take on Derrick Lewis on June 14 on the White House lawn, Hokit could inch closer to a future high-profile matchup with either Alex Pereira or Ciryl Gane with a win; Pereira and Gane are set to battle for an interim UFC heavyweight belt in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event.

With a stoic Sean O’Malley seated between Hokit and Pereira, Hokit began to belittle the former two-division champion before Topuria heard enough and stood up, escalating tensions and even throwing something at Hokit before security removed the brash American heavyweight from the stage and ended the press conference.

Josh Hokit had some crazy things to say to Alex Pereira 😳 pic.twitter.com/VJPzgCxXxD

— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) May 8, 2026

"He speaks English, but says 'Chama.' F*** you, you little b****,' Hokit said to Pereira and Topuria.

"I am the real BMF belt, little, short midget. F*** you. Come up to a real man. I'll give it to anybody. I don't give a f***. [Pereira,] you have your boyfriend speaking for you? ... You shouldn't find your wife in Miami."

Josh Hokit’s comments about Alex Pereira pushed Ilia Topuria over the edge.

Ended with Topuria throwing something and Hokit being escorted out. pic.twitter.com/k63je827cq

— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) May 8, 2026

Openweight fights aren’t an option in modern-day UFC, so a matchup between Topuria and Hokit will have to be left to the video game world.

For Topuria, he’ll headline the UFC White House card against the 155-pound interim champion Justin Gaethje. Earlier in the week, however, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan will officially be waiting in the wings as the event’s backup fighter should his services be needed.

The opponent makes no difference to the champ.

Q&A

What happened between Josh Hokit and Ilia Topuria at the UFC press conference?

Josh Hokit and Ilia Topuria nearly fought on stage during the UFC White House kickoff press conference after Hokit made insulting comments.

Who is Josh Hokit fighting on June 14 at the UFC White House event?

Josh Hokit is set to fight Derrick Lewis on June 14 at the UFC White House event.

What is the significance of the fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane?

Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane are competing for an interim UFC heavyweight belt at the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event, which could impact Hokit’s future matchups.

Why was Josh Hokit removed from the UFC press conference?

Josh Hokit was removed from the press conference after escalating tensions with Ilia Topuria, who reacted to Hokit’s provocative remarks.