Josh Hokit Issues Troll Apology for Michelle Obama Comments

UFC fighter Josh Hokit sparked controversy after calling former First Lady Michelle Obama a man during a post-fight interview at the “UFC Freedom 250” event. While Hokit later shared a purported apology on Instagram, a Community Note and the fighter’s own use of the slang term “cap” suggest the post was a troll, according to social media records.

The incident occurred Sunday evening on the White House South Lawn, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. After winning his heavyweight match via TKO to maintain an undefeated record, Hokit told podcaster Joe Rogan, “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?”

Who reacted to Josh Hokit’s comments?

UFC President Dana White condemned the remarks. White stated he supports free speech but added, “I hate that kind of nonsense,” and noted he was “completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families.”

Dave Portnoy of Barstool called Hokit one of the “idiots” and “lunatics” who damage the UFC’s reputation. Portnoy urged President Trump to denounce the comments. However, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung avoided the question when asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper, instead praising Hokit’s performance in the octagon.

Fox News host Greg Gutfeld defended the fighter. Gutfeld characterized Hokit as a “troll” and claimed those on the right enjoy seeing the left get “upset.”

Did You Know? The “UFC Freedom 250” event was held on the White House South Lawn on the same day as President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

Was the Instagram apology real?

On Thursday, Hokit posted an Instagram Story featuring an image of himself and Michelle Obama smiling. The caption claimed he apologized to the former First Lady, pledged $50,000 to the Obama Foundation, and would serve as a spokesman for Black Women in America.

Michelle Obama insulted at Trumps UFC 250 event by Josh Hokit who screams she is a man & MAGA trolls

The post originated from the Show Me The Money podcast, an account that advises followers “Don’t take us too seriously” in its bio. A Community Note on the post labeled the apology “patently false,” stating Hokit had “made no apology” and had instead “doubled down.”

Hokit added the word “Cap” as a caption to the story. According to Urban Dictionary, “cap” is slang meaning a lie or a false statement.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the tension between fighter autonomy and organizational branding is heightened when events occur on government property. The contrast between Dana White’s condemnation and the fighter’s trolling suggests a potential disconnect in how the UFC manages athlete conduct versus public perception.

What happens next for Josh Hokit?

Hokit has not made any other posts regarding the controversy. Because he shared a debunked post from a humor podcast and labeled it a lie, he may remain unrepentant about his comments.

Further disciplinary action from the UFC is a possible next step, though not confirmed. The fighter’s standing within the organization could be affected if leadership decides the “nonsense” White described violates internal standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Josh Hokit say about Michelle Obama?
During a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Hokit yelled, “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?”

Did Josh Hokit actually donate $50,000 to the Obama Foundation?
While an Instagram post claimed he pledged the money, a Community Note called that claim “patently false” and Hokit captioned the post with the word “Cap,” meaning it was a lie.

How did the White House respond to the comments?
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung dodged questions from CNN’s Jake Tapper and instead praised Hokit’s skill in the octagon.

Do you think professional athletes should be held to a specific code of conduct when speaking at government-hosted events?