Josh Hokit says UFC exec told him he passed Khabib Nurmagomedov as Donald Trump’s favorite fighter

Josh Hokit says Donald Trump’s calls for him to fight on the upcoming White House card were more meaningful than first thought.

Polarizing UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit catapulted into the division’s title picture with an instant classic performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 last month. Hokit, who entered UFC 327 unranked, defeated Blaydes by unanimous decision to remain unbeaten inside the cage.

Just minutes after his win at UFC 327, Hokit was offered a fight against Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 next month after U.S. President Donald Trump called for it in a conversation with UFC CEO Dana White. The seven-fight card is headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje next month on the White House lawn.

President Trump is an avid supporter of White and the UFC, and he’s attended numerous high-profile cards in recent years. In several media interviews, he’s labeled UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov as his ‘favorite fighter’, in the same class as avid political supporters Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.

But Hokit might’ve surpassed all of those mentioned above after his performance at UFC 327.

Josh Hokit says Donald Trump crowned him ‘favorite fighter’ after UFC 327 win

During a recent appearance on the Smash Cast podcast, Hokit raised eyebrows when he revealed a post-fight conversation with matchmaker Mick Maynard.

“When I was going to the ambulance after the fight, Mick comes up to me and says, ‘You are now Donald Trump’s new favorite fighter,’” Hokit claimed. (h/t Bloody Elbow)

Hokit has a ton of momentum heading into his fight against Lewis at UFC Freedom 250. Despite White’s apprehension about some of his antics, Hokit is becoming a household name in the UFC heavyweight division.

Hokit’s rise comes at a time when the UFC heavyweight division is in desperate need of star power. Amidst Tom Aspinall’s ongoing hiatus and a lack of intriguing contenders outside of Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, Hokit could get the fast track to a title shot.

What is your prediction for Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!