Former Fresno State All-American wrestler Josh Hokit is feeling the wrath of Americans for repeating an unfounded conspiracy theory Sunday about Michelle Obama.

“Michelle Obama is a man” shouted on the White House lawn in a ring sponsored by Bud Light only available on Larry Ellison’s Paramount Plus. What a way to celebrate America 250 and the twilight of liberal democracy. pic.twitter.com/MCTjdB3slg

— Tim Miller (@Timodc) June 15, 2026

Following his second-round TKO victory on the South Lawn of the White House at UFC Freedom 250 with President Trump in attendance, the mixed martial arts fighter said:

“Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?”

The remark drew immediate criticism from former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.

“Josh Hokit won the biggest fight of his career at the White House and decides to finish his interview by calling Michelle Obama a Man. What a disgrace,” former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III posted on social media. “It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man. Especially with the history behind calling black women men.”

Josh Hokit won the biggest fight of his career at the White House and decides to finish his interview by calling Michelle Obama a Man.

What a disgrace.

It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man.

Especially with the history…

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 15, 2026

Dana White Says He’s ‘Completely Against’ Hokit’s Words

UFC President and CEO Dana White also criticized Hokit’s remarks, calling them “nasty” and “nonsense” in a text to Time magazine.

Dana White text TIME:

“I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families…Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”https://t.co/ah6oGb9jog pic.twitter.com/1T5sQDcV5O

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 15, 2026

White House Pretends Like Hokit’s Words Never Happened

Trump supporter Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, called on Trump to call out Hokit’s remark, The Hill reported.

“These are UFC guys, they’re crazy. They’re idiots,” Portnoy said. “But when you have that on the White House lawn on an event you put down … I don’t care what you think about the Obamas or anything. That has to be an immediate denounce.”

On Truth Social, however, Trump praised the event, calling it “incredible.” And White House spokesperson Steven Cheung ducked a question about Hokit’s post-fight putdown of the former first lady. “He had a great win last night. He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground,” Cheung said.

Asked for comment about UFC Fighter Josh Hokit saying “Michelle Obama is a man” in his post fight interview, WH spokesman Steven Cheung said “He had a great win last night. He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground.”

— Jake Tapper 🦅 (@jaketapper) June 15, 2026

Hokit’s Athletic Career

Hokit, a Clovis High School graduate, starred in wrestling at Fresno State and appeared in 51 games on the football team. He played fullback, running back, and linebacker, ending his eligibility in 2019.

He signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers and was assigned to the practice squad. He later signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, but didn’t make the roster.

Hokit, who is 28 years old, is 10-0 as an MMA fighter.