UFC adds Josh Hokit to White House card at Donald Trump’s request as president watches instant classic

The UFC has added another fight to its upcoming White House event at the request of Donald Trump, who was won over by one particular fighter on Saturday.

US president Trump sat ringside for UFC 327 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, where he has attended numerous UFC events in recent years, and it was there that Josh Hokit outlasted Curtis Blaydes in an instant classic.

Hokit’s WWE-style self-presentation drew much attention during fight week, proving divisive for fans, but the American delivered in the cage as he secured a points win over compatriot Blaydes.

Donald Trump (right) speaking with UFC boss Dana White at ringside (AFP via Getty Images)

The fight was non-stop action for 15 minutes, with both men bloodied and badly hurt on numerous occasions. Still, neither fighter would go down, with fans and commentators lauding the bout as one of the best that the heavyweight division has ever produced. Even ex-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, on commentary duties, said as much with a disbelieving laugh.

It was Hokit’s hand that was raised, before he delivered a rhyming post-fight speech when interviewed by Joe Rogan.

And Hokit’s performance has earned him a spot on the White House card on 14 June, as he takes on former title challenger Derrick Lewis – one of Mr Trump’s favourite fighters.

UFC president Dana White announced the news in a social-media video during UFC 327, where he sat next to his close friend Mr Trump.

“I said, ‘Derrick, the president just asked me why you’re not on the card. Do you wanna fight on the White house card?’ And he goes: ‘Of course I do. Tell the president thank you, I wanna do it.’

“Then the Hokit fight plays out, he beats the No 5-ranked guy in the world, and Joe Rogan says: ‘Is there still room on the White House card?’

Josh Hokit (left) outpointed longtime contender Curtis Blaydes in Miami (Getty Images)

“Went back and talked to [Lewis]. Hokit vs Lewis was just added to the White House card in the last 10 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. Pretty badass how that played out organically during the fight [card].”

The event will be headlined by Ilia Topuria’s lightweight-title defence against interim champion Justin Gaethje. The co-main event sees Alex Pereira take on Ciryl Gane, with the interim heavyweight belt on the line.

Pereira’s move up to heavyweight follows his decision to vacate the light-heavyweight title, which was up for grabs in the UFC 327 main event.

In that fight, former champion Jiri Prochazka was knocked out cold by an injured Carlos Ulberg in round one. Prochazka admitted afterwards that he had shown “mercy” to Ulberg by not attacking the New Zealander’s injured knee enough.