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Polarizing UFC fighter gets tossed during UFC White House press conference
TL;DR
Josh Hokit caused a stir at the UFC White House press conference in Newark, New Jersey, ahead of the June 14 event in Washington, D.C. His actions overshadowed the otherwise calm event featuring all 14 fighters on the card.
Key points
- Josh Hokit disrupted the UFC White House press conference
- The event took place in Newark, New Jersey
- UFC White House is scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C.
- All 14 fighters on the card were present
Mentioned in this story
Newark, New JerseyWashington, D.C.
Josh HokitUFC White House
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)
Josh Hokit once again stole the show at a press conference, though perhaps not for the best reasons.
On Friday, the UFC held its first press conference for UFC White House, which takes place on June 14 in Washington, D.C. The event featured all 14 fighters that will appear on the card, and for most of the press conference, things were pretty tame.
Enter Josh Hokit.
Hokit was a late addition to the card, taking on Derrick Lewis in a preliminary heavyweight bout, and has become the norm for “The Incredible Hok,” he entered the press conference in character, spouting off rhymes aimed at Lewis, trying to get under his skin. Lewis no-sold Hokit’s antics, who then turned his attention to Alex Pereira, who was similarly unconcerned. But Hokit’s antics did get a rise out of one man: lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
As Hokit continued to lob insults at “Poatan,” Topuria, who was sitting next to Pereira, finally had enough, speaking out against Hokit’s tomfoolery, which prompted Hokit to turn his attention to Topuria.
“F*ck you, you f*cking little bitch!” Hokit shouted. “I’m the real BMF belt! Little short midget!
“Come up to a real weight class! I’ll give it to anybody! I don’t give a f*ck!”
Seemingly unconcerned by the size difference, Topuria rose, seemingly ready to get physical with Hokit, but security quickly stepped in to prevent the two from coming together. The situation calmed down for a moment until Topuria threw something at Hokit, stirring things back up and leading security to escort Hokit out of the event.
After Hokit left, Poatan and Topuria shook hands, and Dana White ended the presser, with Derrick Lewis chiming in, “I got him,” right before the stage cleared for faceoffs. Because Hokit was escorted out, he and Lewis did not face off at the event.
Q&A
What happened at the UFC White House press conference?
Josh Hokit disrupted the UFC White House press conference, drawing attention for negative reasons.
When is the UFC White House event scheduled?
The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C.
Who are the fighters participating in the UFC White House event?
All 14 fighters scheduled to appear on the UFC White House card were present at the press conference.