A heavyweight fighter’s disruptive behavior stole the spotlight from the UFC’s historic White House event during Friday’s press conference for UFC Freedom 250.
The promotional event took place in Newark, New Jersey, where UFC 328 was scheduled for Saturday. However, attention centered on the groundbreaking Washington fight card, with all 14 scheduled competitors present for traditional staredowns.
Undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit, set to battle Derrick Lewis, transformed the gathering into his own theatrical performance.
Wearing a black robe, sunglasses, American flag gloves and bandana, Hokit delivered wrestling-style rants targeting not only Lewis but also Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria before UFC security escorted him out. His profanity-filled speeches attempted to rhyme and consistently concluded with “Am I right, New Jersey?”
Hokit referred to Lewis as “the Black Pillsbury Doughboy” and hurled multiple offensive slurs at other competitors. Most fighters avoided responding until Topuria rose to protect Pereira, who lacks English fluency and seemed confused by Hokit’s verbal attacks.
Topuria hurled a small object at Hokit before security removed the 28-year-old Californian from the venue.
The former college football player and wrestler maintained his perfect 9-0 mixed martial arts record after defeating Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision at UFC 327 last month.
Separately, UFC CEO Dana White intervened during Mauricio Ruffy’s staredown with Michael Chandler when Ruffy extended his arms and touched Chandler’s chin with his fist. Other confrontations proceeded without problems.
White explained Friday why the UFC would distribute 85,000 free tickets for public viewing at Ellipse Park across from the White House, where fans will watch on large screens rather than attending the South Lawn directly.
“It’s on federal land,” White explained. “We’re (paying) the bill for this whole fight. And I can’t sell a hot dog, a T-shirt or a ticket. Nothing can be sold on federal land.”
White revealed approximately 4,000 people will attend the South Lawn where the octagon will be constructed. President Donald Trump will receive 1,000 tickets, while White and TKO Group CEO Ari Emanuel will each get 200, with remaining seats distributed among military branches.
Although Trump didn’t attend Friday’s press conference, he welcomed several UFC fighters at the White House on Wednesday and unveiled octagon renderings featuring the presidential residence as backdrop.
