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UFC adds former title challenger to the White House card
TL;DR
UFC has added Derrick Lewis to the White House card for the June 14 event, enhancing an already star-studded lineup featuring five former champions. The event, named UFC Freedom Fights 250, aims to address fan backlash regarding its initial lineup.
Despite arguably being one of the best six-fight lineups in the company's history, the UFC White House card suffered backlash from fans for not living up to the lofty expectations placed on its shoulders. To combat the noise, Dana White decided to add more firepower to the June 14 event.
The once-in-a-lifetime show, named UFC Freedom Fights 250, features five former world champions and some of the biggest names in modern MMA. Ilia Topuria returns to the cage and is met by 'The Highlight' Justin Gaethje, while Alex Pereira attempts to make history by becoming the first three-weight champ in UFC history, with Ciryl Gane standing in the way of his path to greatness.
Fan-favorites like Sean O'Malley, Diego Lopes, and Michael Chandler will also be on display at the White House this summer. And if the six-fight card wasn't already exceptional enough, Dana White's new announcement was the cherry on top.
"I just spoke with Derrick Lewis," White said during the UFC 327 broadcast. "I said, 'Derrick, the president just asked me why you're not on the card. Do you want to fight on the White House card?' And he goes, 'Of course, I do. Tell the president thank you. I want to do it.' Then the [Josh] Hokit fight plays out, he beats the number five-ranked guy in the world, and Joe Rogan says, 'Is there still room on the White House card?' We went back and talked to him. Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis was just added to the White House card in the last ten minutes."
"President Trump built half of that fight, and Rogan built the other half. Both guys have accepted and agreed for the fight, so we're adding one more to the White House. Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis."
Josh Hokit has captured the fans' attention, both good and bad. Since breaking his way into the UFC, Hokit has adopted an unpredictable character, reminiscent of a pro wrestler from the 80s.
Alone, the gimmick looks somewhat cartoonish and exaggerated, but the rising star has a relentless style that demands love from viewers. After a successful two-fight stint over the past half year with the promotion, Hokit stole the show at UFC 327, outworking Curtis Blaydes in an instant classic affair, earning performance of the night honors.
While the persona isn't to everybody's taste, Hokit has earned the respect of Dana White and many others in the UFC hierarchy.
"Pretty badass how that played out organically during the fight," White continued.
Q&A
Who are the main fighters on the UFC White House card?
The main fighters include Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, Ciryl Gane, Sean O'Malley, Diego Lopes, Michael Chandler, and now Derrick Lewis.
What is the significance of Alex Pereira's fight on the White House card?
Alex Pereira aims to become the first three-weight champion in UFC history during his fight at the White House card.
Why did Dana White add Derrick Lewis to the White House card?
Dana White added Derrick Lewis after a conversation with the president, who inquired about Lewis's absence from the card following his recent victory over a top-ranked opponent.
