Josh Hokit spins controversial Michelle Obama interview comment as a ‘compliment’ after heavy backlash

UFC heavyweight contender Josh Hokit doubled down on his claim that former first lady Michelle Obama is a biological man.

Josh Hokit earned the biggest win of his heavyweight career earlier this month at UFC Freedom 250, but his actions after knocking out Derrick Lewis continue to be the main talking points.

Hokit, who defeated Lewis to remain unbeaten in his UFC career, had another viral moment on the mic during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Before Rogan ended the interview, Hokit yelled at the crowd that ‘Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right?’, to a perplexed audience on the White House lawn.

Hokit’s latest bizarre post-fight moment drew strong criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, and others since UFC Freedom 250. Michelle, the longtime wife of former U.S. President Barack Obama, has been at the center of several disproven conspiracy theories since the Obamas left the office.

Instead of expressing remorse and regret for his comment, Hokit doubled down and insists his claim was misunderstood.

Josh Hokit bizarrely insists Michelle Obama comment was a ‘compliment’

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hokit reflected on the now-viral moment and the blowback he’s received since UFC Freedom 250.

“I thought I was giving her a compliment. I don’t think anyone viewed it as Michelle Obama being a man,” Hokit said.

“She knows how to deal with adversity and knows how to work hard like a man. When times get tough, the toughest keep going…it was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with freedom of speech. If you go to other parts of the world and you say something like that, you die. And I’m not suicidal by the way, I’m in good spirits…

“It was a perfect time to take a jab. And that’s one thing about my career…you’ll never hear me backtrack from what I’m saying.”

As of this writing, the Obamas haven’t publicly responded to Hokit’s interview, and Hokit continues to get blowback from fans, pundits, and fellow fighters. Hokit could potentially return to the Octagon later this year for a No. 1 heavyweight contender bout.

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