Dana White: Josh Hokit accepted UFC White House fight in the ambulance after Donald Trump's request

It turns out one of the wildest matchups on the upcoming UFC White House card came together in about the most Dana White way possible.

Shortly after new heavyweight contender Josh Hokit scored an electric Fight of the Night win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami, he already had his next fight lined up. It was revealed mid-broadcast Saturday night that the still-undefeated Hokit (9-0) will round out the UFC White House event on June 14 as a late addition against veteran knockout artist Derrick Lewis (29-13, 1 NC).

Speaking at UFC 327's post-fight press conference, UFC CEO White peeled back the curtain on how the abrupt heavyweight clash was born — and it all starts with a question from U.S. President Donald Trump.

"About an hour before [Hokit's unanimous decision win], the president said to me, 'Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?' I said, 'I'll be back in five minutes,'" White said. "I went and called Derrick Lewis, said the president wants to know why you're not on the White House card, and Derrick Lewis said, 'Politics. Politics kept me off the White House card.' And I said, 'Do you want to fight on the card?' And he said, 'I absolutely want to fight on the card. Tell the president thank you.' So I told [UFC matchmaker] Mick Maynard, 'Find a fight for Derrick. Let's talk about it next week and whatever.'

"Then the Hokit fight happens. I have the headphones on, and Joe Rogan [on color commentary] goes, 'Is there another slot open on the White House card for Hokit?' I go, 'Holy s***.' So I grab Mick and I said, 'Go back there and talk to see if he's in.' And Hokit was getting into an ambulance and said yes."

And just like that, a fight was made — one that pits Lewis’ historic veteran power against Hokit’s overnight breakout momentum on one of the most unique stages in UFC history.

For White, the Blaydes bout also forced a sudden reassessment of Hokit himself.

Arguably known more for his controversial character-like interviews than his performances ahead of UFC 327, Hokit hadn’t exactly been at the top of White’s list of favorites prior to Saturday night.

"He walked the talk tonight," White said. "When people come out and say stupid s***, and have sort of a schtick, it's not my thing. But nothing but respect for those men tonight. That fight was unbelievable, and yeah, you won't hear a word out of me from here on out about him. He, like I said, walked the talk."

That respect came from what Hokit did inside the Octagon, not outside of it. Taking on a dangerous, top-ranked opponent in Blaydes was a massive step up for any fighter's third UFC bout. And Hokit delivered as an unranked, brash personality in the most emphatic fashion needed to silence any skepticism.

"It's one thing to have a schtick and act however," White said. "It's another to go in and fight the No. 5-ranked dude in the world, who is a bad dude, and do what he did to him tonight."

Despite Saturday's late addition, White insisted there won't be any more fights coming together late for the White House card — unless personally requested by Trump, of course.