Former Fresno State Bulldog Josh Hokit is making waves in the MMA world, sitting as the No. 4 ranked UFC heavyweight following a decisive victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC 250 Freedom while also insulting former First Lady Michelle Obama.
This was a historic night for the UFC as this event was held on the South Lawn of the White House.
In July 2025, President Donald Trump announced at an Iowa rally that a UFC event will be held at the White House to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, landing around Trump’s 80th birthday as well.
More than 4,000 invited guests attended the event, which featured a custom-built Octagon and with 7 million people watching, the night for Fresno State’s Hokit was full of controversy and success.
Hokit has quickly become one of the UFC’s fastest growing stars, boasting an undefeated 10-0 MMA record, with nine of those wins ending in finishes.
However, during Hokit’s post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he insulted Michelle Obama by rehashing a right-wing conspiracy about the former first lady, saying “Michelle Obama is a man.”
Hokit’s comments did not go unnoticed.
The CEO of UFC, Dana White, condemned Hokit’s comments saying that there is no excuse for attacking someone in that way.
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said to Time Magazine.
White also added that he is an advocate for freedom of speech, but said Hokit’s comments went too far for him to defend.
Michelle Obama has not made a statement. Hokit also has not made an official statement, but took to Instagram in the days following the fight.
“I’m not here to be liked,” Hokit wrote. “I’m not here to be a role model. I don’t care. I’m here to succeed.”
UFC Hall of Fame inductee, Daniel Comier, called Hokit’s comments “disgusting.”
However, during his time at Fresno State, Hokit showcased his athletic ability on both the wrestling mat and the football field, competing for the Bulldogs wrestling and football team simultaneously.
In 2018, Hokit helped Fresno State capture the Mountain West football title, and the following year became the Bulldogs’ first wrestling All-American in more than a decade after placing fifth at the NCAA Championships.
The accomplishment left many teammates and coaches admiring his work ethic and toughness.
“Josh was always a great competitor,” said Jacob Wright, Hokit’s former wrestling teammate. “Going from wrestling to football was almost unheard of at the time. He had a lot of skeptics, but his mindset elevated everyone around him.”
Hokit went on to play fullback for the San Francisco 49ers after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Following his football career ending in 2022, he transitioned to MMA, eventually earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series before officially signing with the promotion in August 2025.
Entering 2026, Hokit was unranked in the UFC heavyweight division. Now, the former Bulldog sits among the top five heavyweights, with a potential title shot looming.
His quick rise has been fueled in part by an active schedule, as he has already fought three times this year while earning wins against notable names like No. 7 ranked Curtis Blaydes and No. 11 Derrick Lewis in the process.
“Mentality-wise, I see that he’s still the same competitor he was back then,” Wright said. “Josh has always wanted the best from his opponents.”
