Much was made of Josh Hokit’s post-fight interview at UFC Freedom 250 after he made a controversial remark about the former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Hokit once again put on a stellar performance and backed up his trash talk with a fourth win in the last six months. Late into the second round, his pressure proved too much for Derrick Lewis, as referee Herb Dean had to step in and bring an end to the ground and pound.

Hokit’s always been a divisive figure, but for many, his actions at UFC Freedom 250 were a step too far. He was afforded the opportunity to fight in front of the White House and controversially used his platform to make an offensive slur about Barack Obama’s wife.

The question now is, will he face any further action?

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Upon receiving the microphone from Joe Rogan, Hokit, like he always does, cut his on-the-nose promo, only this time, he took aim at Michelle Obama.

“Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” he said. The controversial words sparked outrage, with UFC commentator Daniel Cormier very critical of the situation, saying: “It was an unnecessary shot on her. That’s the type of statement that divides. I absolutely hated that.”

For many, the event was a celebration of America’s history, with the White House a perfect backdrop for the occasion. A time to forget about the division that plagues everyday life and enjoy the occasion. However, Hokit’s message seemingly went against this, and as a result, has led to plenty of frustration.

While nothing is confirmed, speculation of Obama suing the fighter was sparked online after the interview, with a potential defamation case in the pipeline. However, there is no evidence to show they could go this route, with no confirmed plans by any representatives or major news organisation.

UFC Has Faced Problems Before

This isn’t the first occasion where a UFC fighter has been embroiled in controversy following a poor choice of words.

Back in January 2025, Bryce Mitchell caught the headlines for all the wrong reasons after saying Hitler was a ‘good guy.’ In response to this, UFC President Dana White said they won’t take further action due to freedom of speech. However, he also completely condemned the words, saying: “That’s the problem with the internet and social media. You provide a platform to a lot of dumb and ignorant people.”

Sean Strickland was also in controversy leading up to the UFC Freedom 250 event, as he claimed he wasn’t allowed to attend the event due to his words on Israel. Now, it’s Hokit who is in the firing line, and could he face further consequences? The words were broadcast to millions of people watching the event, and could be seen as unfairly taking aim at Obama’s reputation.

It’s unclear whether they will eventually respond, and what actions they may take, but as things stand, they are opting to ignore the comment and not seek legal action.

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to complete an agreement to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Fabrizio Romano issuing the latest update on a deal in recent hours.

Tottenham chiefs have gone into overdrive since the Premier League season ended in survival on the final day, with the club determined to ensure they aren’t involved in a relegation battle again anytime soon.

Spurs have been the busiest Premier League club in the summer transfer window to date, already announcing the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while they have also reached a full agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Netherlands international centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke in a deal worth £52m.

The defence has been significantly strengthened, with Roberto De Zerbi further boosted by the news that Pedro Porro has committed his long-term future to the north London outfit.

Now, De Zerbi wants Tottenham officials to make a big splash in central midfield too, with David Ornstein reporting this week that the Italian wants to land both Tonali from Newcatle and West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

Talks also continue over a deal to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis following his loan spell from Bayern Munich.

Romano: ‘Deal On’ for Tonali to Join Tottenham

via Reuters

While interest in signing Fernandes from West Ham has emerged, there is no doubt that Tonali remains De Zerbi’s top target as he looks to make a statement signing for Tottenham’s engine room.

Many may have thought that it was an unlikely deal when the news was first confirmed, but Spurs are making a serious push for the Italy international, who is also a target for Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, with the ‘world-class’ 26-year-old open to joining to link up with De Zerbi.

Romano has confirmed that it is ‘deal on’ for Tonali to Tottenham as he provided the latest update on the deal via his YouTube channel overnight.

He said: “Tottenham are working on a deal for Sandro Tonali. Tottenham are aware of the player being open to joining.

“That was my message, and that remains my message. I keep telling you about Tonali and Tottenham. Should anything change, I will come here and update you. But as of today, we are entering into the weekend, I keep telling you Sandro Tonali and Tottenham, wanted by Roberto De Zerbi in talks. So, deal on Tottenham, Sandro Tonali. That’s the understanding, that’s the story.”

Tottenham Want to Complete Seven Signings

via Reuters

The signs are that Tottenham and ENIC aren’t messing around this summer, and it is a notion that has been backed up by reliable Spurs source Paul O’Keefe.

He claims that the north London outfit want to complete seven signings this summer, to give De Zerbi the strongest squad possible next season to really try and compete towards the top of the Premier League table again.

Tottenham have already signed the defenders they wanted to get, but now they want to add at least one central midfielder, according to O’Keefe, while they also want a left-winger, right-winger and a new centre-forward.

Tottenham have been in talks to try and secure a player for the former in Savinho from Manchester City.

Iran played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G fixture at this summer’s World Cup, but the result in Los Angeles was overshadowed by frustrations away from the pitch.

Instead of a routine recovery and build-up to their next game, talk soon turned to how the team has been treated logistically since arriving, with them already switching their training base to Mexico, despite all of their group matches being in the United States, just weeks before the tournament started.

It’s a tournament Iran arrived at already under the spotlight, with the team having been at the centre of plenty of politically charged discussions before the World Cup, following recent conflict in the Middle East. Concerns have since grown inside the camp about scheduling decisions made with little input from the Iranian side, leaving players and staff increasingly unhappy with how things have been handled.

Iran Boss Hits Out at Travel Demands

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t hold back when discussing the situation. Iran had been informed they had to fly straight back to their training base in Tijuana immediately after the New Zealand match, rather than staying overnight for a recovery session as originally planned.

“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that, they are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”

He went further, branding Iran “the most oppressed” team at the entire World Cup:

Federation Confirms Formal Complaint

Gary Vasquez via Reuters

It has since emerged that Iran will only be allowed to land in Los Angeles 24 hours before their game against Belgium, despite requesting extra time to arrive given the match kicks off at midday.

A spokesperson said: “The football federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes.”

They went on to say that despite the complaint and the limitations on their travel, Iran will continue as instructed in their preparation for their match with the Belgians.