Dana White has responded to Josh Hokit’s comments regarding Michelle Obama, describing them as ‘stupid’ after the fighter’s words in the aftermath of UFC Freedom 250.

Hokit sparked massive mainstream backlash following comments he made in his post-fight interview on the White House South Lawn. He remarked that “Michelle Obama is a man” and followed that up with “Am I right, America?” This came after he secured victory over Derrick Lewis and extended his record to 10-0; that is what should have been the talk of his night.

Being interviewed by Joe Rogan inside the cage, Hokit began by praising Donald Trump and calling out Alex Pereira for a potential bout down the road. It was at this point that he abruptly made the switch and started referencing the former First Lady. Rogan looked taken aback by what he had said and quickly ended the interview before the heavyweight could say anything else.

Dana White, UFC CEO, has since called the remarks ‘disgusting’, ‘stupid’, and ‘nonsense.’

Commentator and former two-division champion, Daniel Cormier, has also lambasted the outburst. He called it ‘lame’ and that he ‘absolutely hated that’, also adding that Hokit ‘needs to do better.’

Dana White’s Decision on Josh Hokit

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Despite the intense backlash, White has clarified that he will not be cutting the fighter from the promotion as punishment for these comments. He cites his profound belief in free speech as the reasoning behind this decision, and it is this belief that has kept several fighters from being cut in the past after making similarly controversial comments.

Speaking after Saturday’s UFC event, White said: “There’s always going to be people that say things that most of us don’t agree with. I mean, just the time, the place, you know?

“I’ve said many times, listen, I voted for Obama the first time, didn’t vote for him the second time. Then, when I was at the inauguration, he was sitting in front of me, and I saw all this stuff on the internet where people are like ‘Dana is mad dogging Obama…’

“Obama is the only one who turned around to me, couldn’t have been a nicer guy, and said, ‘Congratulations on all your success and everything you’ve done’. I said, ‘Thank you, Mr. President,’ and I don’t believe in this s***.

Previously, featherweight Bryce Mitchell came under fire for making a series of deeply offensive anti-Semitic and homophobic comments on a podcast last year, even going as far as to defend the actions of Adolf Hitler.

Despite White slamming the remarks as some of the ‘dumbest’ things anyone has ever said, he refused to punish Mitchell at all. This reiterated his stance on not cracking down on unpopular speech.

Hokit has since doubled down on his comments, refusing to back down from what he said and targeting his critics directly. He particularly went on a rant when speaking about Cormier and ended by saying: “I’m not here for unity; in reality, there will never be unity… I come to divide people’s faces. If you don’t like it, then come do something about it…”

Rory McIlroy had a disappointing weekend at the US Open by his high standard, finishing tied 32nd after the four-day Major. As well as a relatively low finish, he also had one moment of controversy involving a spectator at the event.

McIlroy was largely in contention on Saturday, but a few too many bogeys on the back nine left him well off the pace and behind eventual winner Wyndham Clark, who had crowd troubles of his own.

In the build-up to the event, McIlroy said that the crowd had been welcoming, and seemingly any worries that there would be a repeat of the abuse he received at last year’s Ryder Cup had been thwarted.

However, it is not possible to please everyone.

Rory McIlroy Target of Fan Heckling at US Open

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

During his final round at Shinnecock Hills, one of the local fans was relentless in his attempt to get under the Northern Irishman’s skin while he attempted his tee shot.

In a video uploaded by X user NUCLRGOLF, the fan can be heard saying: “Get in the bunker. I hope you live there today.”

The spectator did not mince his words and certainly made sure McIlroy could hear him.

It seemed like McIlroy was going to ignore the fan and keep on pushing on the final day, but he then took the opportunity to get one back. He motioned over his stomach with his arms, seemingly implying that the fan may have been overweight!

This was met by a chorus of shocked cheers from the crowd, and the fan who caused the stir sounded particularly taken aback by The Masters champion’s response.

Rory McIlroy Not the Only Target of Fans

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

That wasn’t the only controversy involving the crowd at the weekend’s event, as eventual winner Wyndham Clark was on the receiving end of plenty of fan scrutiny throughout the tournament.

Fans were heard cheering the winner’s mistakes and becoming audibly annoyed whenever he did something well on the course. This was a backlash from previous antics from last year’s tournament, in which he damaged a historic locker at Oakmont after missing the cut.

Despite the flashpoint for McIlroy, he remained steadfast in his love for playing in front of the passionate local fan base in New York, also saying that major championship environments are a ‘different beast’ when compared to events like the Ryder Cup, where he received a barrage of abuse from the opposing US support.

A 2026 World Cup worker, aged just 22, has been tragically killed following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand last Monday night. The incident took place as the young man was walking home from just his second day at his new job at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

The details, emotional family statement, and Aaron Avery’s final actions before the tragedy have since emerged, with the security guard being rushed to hospital late at night before he passed away a week later.

His ‘devastated’ family have been raising money via their GoFundMe page to help with end-of-life expenses, as Avery leaves behind a legacy true to his kindness.

World Cup Worker Aaron Avery Passes Away After Second Day At Work

Avery, 22, was hit and killed about 10:30 pm Monday near Van Ness Avenue by a suspected drunk driver, his family have revealed.

“This is a very devastating moment for my family,” his aunt Norma Quinn told CBS News. “He was my sister’s baby. It’s very devastating.”

His family believed the driver was speeding and was under the influence. “From what I was told, it was a strong possibility that speed played a part in it, and the guy was under the influence,” Quinn told the outlet. The driver, however, has claimed that he couldn’t see Avery because it was nighttime, and he was wearing all black, according to the family.

“You say you didn’t see my brother walking because he had on all black,” Avery’s sister, Monique Yates said. “It don’t matter what colour he had on. That can’t be an excuse on why you hit somebody.”

Avery was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The family, who said they are facing significant end-of-life expenses, medical bills, and funeral costs, have so far raised more than $10,000.

Avery Has Become An Organ Donor Following The Tragedy

On Saturday, relatives gathered at OneLegacy in Azusa to honour Avery by donating his organs. Staff lined the hallway as doctors wheeled his body into the operating room, while family members said their goodbyes. Avery donated his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. OneLegacy said his donation could potentially save up to eight lives.

“There’s over 100,000 folks across the nation, nearly 19,000 Californians, who are waiting for a life-saving organ,” said Blanca Cohen of OneLegacy. “Unfortunately, all too many folks pass away each day waiting for that gift.”

The need is especially great among black patients. Last year, according to CBS News, black Americans made up 27% of candidates on the national transplant waitlist, with most waiting for kidneys, while only 15% of registered donors were Black.

Avery’s family said they find comfort in knowing his generosity could help others. “I know this is our final goodbye, but at the same time, I know that something good is going to come out of it,” Quinn said. “They’ll have a part of him, and maybe he can turn them into gamers. Haha.”