Fact Check: Did the UFC ban Josh Hokit from fighting after he called Michelle Obama 'a man'?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the growing controversy surrounding Josh Hokit and Michelle Obama, a new rumor has gone viral online claiming that the UFC has banned Hokit from fighting. The claim further alleges that Hokit ruined his career after making controversial remarks during the high-profile UFC event held as part of President Donald Trump's birthday celebration on June 14. Let's fact-check the claim.
Claim: Josh Hokit has been banned from fighting
UFC fighter Josh Hokit sparked widespread backlash after he called Michelle Obama "a man" during a post-fight interview following his victory at the White House-hosted UFC Freedom 250 event. Many critics condemned the remark as transphobic and linked it to longstanding conspiracy theories about the former first lady.
Amid the controversy, an X post shared by James Tate circulated a graphic claiming that the UFC would no longer allow Hokit to fight. The post suggested that Hokit had ruined his own career by commenting on the highly publicized event held as part of President Donald Trump's birthday celebration. The graphic stated, "Under fire after Michelle Obama statement. UFC won't let him fight anymore."
At the time of writing, the post had attracted significant engagement, including numerous likes and comments. One user wrote, "Freedom of speech has consequences," while another commented, "Not enough, Obama should sue him for every penny he has."
The viral claim emerged shortly after UFC president Dana White publicly criticized Hokit's remarks, calling them "nonsense" and "nasty." Social media users remained divided, with some demanding disciplinary action against Hokit and others defending his right to free speech.
Fact Check: False, UFC did not ban Josh Hokit
The claim that Josh Hokit has been banned from fighting is false. No evidence shows that the UFC has suspended, fired, or permanently barred him from competing. Searches for official UFC statements, disciplinary actions, or canceled future bouts involving Hokit found no support for the claim. Instead, reports have focused on the backlash surrounding his comments, Dana White's criticism, and calls from some fans and public figures for disciplinary action.
Although the controversy has damaged Hokit's public image and generated significant negative attention, particularly because the remarks were made during the high-profile UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, there is no indication as of June 17, 2026, that the UFC has terminated his contract or revoked his fighting privileges. Hokit remains an active fighter and recently secured a victory at the event.
UFC President Dana White publicly condemned the remarks. He said, "Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense," adding that he is "completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families."
The incident also drew widespread criticism from media personalities, celebrities such as Sunny Hostin, and many social media users. Some critics called for Hokit to be suspended or removed from the UFC roster. Reports also suggested that Hokit either did not attend or was removed from a subsequent White House-related press conference. However, despite the backlash, the UFC has not announced any suspension, firing, or ban, and claims that Hokit can no longer fight are not supported by available evidence.
