UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit said he intended his declaration that former first lady Michelle Obama “is a man” as a compliment, defending the remark he made after winning his fight at the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event.
Hokit’s comment on the South Lawn on June 14, part of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday celebration, and his subsequent defense during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show” have drawn widespread criticism.
Hokit made the remark in his post-fight interview with podcaster Joe Rogan after winning his bout via TKO, leaving his undefeated UFC career intact, according to Yahoo Sports. “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man!” Hokit said at the time.
During his interview with Helwani, Hokit said he was giving Obama a “compliment.” “I thought I was giving her a compliment,” Hokit said, according to Yahoo Sports and Variety. “I don’t think anyone viewed it as Michelle Obama being a man.”
Helwani pushed back, saying, “I don’t think anyone viewed it as such,” Yahoo Sports reported.
The fighter also invoked free speech in his defense, saying the remark showed “how great this country is with the freedom of speech,” according to Variety. Hokit said he does not regret making the comment.
Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi wrote a column about the incident published Saturday, describing Hokit’s comment as yelled into the microphone at the event.
The UFC Freedom 250 event was the first mixed-martial-arts event held on White House grounds, featuring a seven-fight card on the South Lawn, MSI previously reported. The event was part of Trump’s 80th birthday celebration.