UFC fighter Josh Hokit scored the biggest win of his career Sunday night at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn, but it was what he said afterward that quickly stole the spotlight.
Fresh off a victory over Derrick Lewis during the event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, Hokit sparked controversy during his post-fight interview by reviving a long-running claim involving former first lady Michelle Obama.
Addressing the crowd after the bout, Hokit shouted, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
He then exited the ring as spectators erupted in cheers.
The claim concerning Michelle Obama has circulated online for years and has been echoed by figures including Alex Jones and Jason Whitlock.
Josh Hokit just called Michelle Obama “a man” on the mic after winning at UFC Freedom 250.
HOKIT: “Hey, shout out to Trump for having the balls to put some sh*t like this on!”
“And if I’m going to say anything, there’s only person more incredible than the Incredible Hulk and… pic.twitter.com/ydNPIEEHww
— Overton (@overton_news) June 15, 2026
According to Snopes, versions of the theory date back to at least 2008. Interest in the claim intensified in 2014 after the late comedian Joan Rivers was recorded on a New York City street saying Michelle Obama was transgender and former President Barack Obama was gay.
The theory later spread across social media and even appeared on the Facebook page of a Republican state lawmaker in Kentucky.
Snopes, PolitiFact, USA Today, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters have all published reports addressing various aspects of the claims, though they have continued to resurface online.
Hokit’s comments brought renewed attention to the issue during a nationally watched event that drew millions of viewers and featured one of the most unusual settings in UFC history.
