Fighter Josh Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis at the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday evening. Shortly after his victory, Hokit used his post-fight microphone time to repeat a widely circulated but unproven internet theory about former First Lady Michelle Obama.
According to The Telegraph, Hokit said to the crowd: “Shout out to Trump for having the balls to put some s— like this on,” before adding: “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” The claim he repeated, that Michelle Obama was born male and transitioned before her marriage to former President Barack Obama, has no evidence to support it.
The event, billed as UFC Freedom 250, was held notionally to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. It also coincided with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Hokit’s bout was one of seven fights held at the White House event, which drew thousands of spectators to the South Lawn
Hokit’s fight against Lewis was the fourth of seven matches that took place during the evening. Hokit had reportedly been seen drinking before the event’s weigh-in on Saturday and appeared to vomit on himself during that appearance. Following his victory on Sunday, Hokit placed a heavy gold chain around Trump’s neck and shook his hand. Trump then stood back and applauded him.
The event’s setup was apparently substantial. An enormous metal arch, reportedly stretching 80 feet into the air and decorated with red, white, and blue lights, was erected over the Octagon on the South Lawn. As each fighter walked from the White House to the ring, a military band played their entrance music. On the other hand, an activist and Air Force veteran filed a lawsuit to block the White House UFC match, citing concerns about the event being tied to Trump’s birthday rather than the nation’s founding.
The tournament opened with a flyover by the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the US Navy Blue Angels. The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which reportedly houses the offices of most White House staff, was used as the fighters’ changing rooms for the event.
Several senior administration officials and public figures were in attendance at the ringside. The Telegraph reported those present included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and former wrestling champion Triple H.
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance were also pictured together at the event. Former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury was also said to be present, reportedly wearing a cap that read “Donald Trump for Prime Minister.”
Just 16 percent of people believe the event was appropriate, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The event apparently had an uncertain start, with warnings that thunderstorms over Washington, DC, could force an evacuation. Storms moving in from West Virginia reportedly delayed the start by around 45 minutes, though the event ultimately proceeded without further incident.
Hours before the tournament began, Trump announced a peace deal with Iran. Hokit’s comments about Michelle Obama are likely to draw attention beyond the fight itself, given the setting and the size of the audience. The claim he made is a conspiracy theory that has circulated online for years.
The Telegraph report confirmed there is no evidence to support it. Michelle Obama has never publicly responded to the claim. Trump himself has previously called Michelle Obama an anti-white racist, separately adding to a pattern of public attacks on the former first lady from the president’s circle.
Published: Jun 15, 2026 06:30 pm