UFC White House star Josh Hokit removed by security after stunning press conference tirade
Hokit taunted Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria, the latter of whom then threw a microphone at the American’s head
On Friday, Josh Hokit was removed from a press conference for the UFC White House fight card, after the divisive heavyweight insulted his fellow athletes in a bizarre tirade. On 14 June, the UFC will stage an unprecedented event on the South Lawn , to help celebrate 250 years of the United States. The card will actually take place on the 80th birthday of US president Donald Trump, a close friend of UFC CEO and president Dana White .
At the upcoming event, Hokit will face fellow American Derrick Lewis in a bout that was personally requested by Mr Trump , after the president sat ringside at UFC 327 last month. Hokit beat Curtis Blaydes in an instant classic in Miami, and by the end of the night, he had been paired with Lewis – one of Mr Trump’s favourite fighters. Josh Hokit (pictured) will fight Derrick Lewis at the White House (Getty) Hokit, 28, has proven divisive among UFC fans due to his WWE-style persona, and that was on full display on Friday, as he sported a USA-themed bandana and gloves, sunglasses, and insulted his fellow fighters in rhymes.
Hokit specifically took aim at former two-weight champion Alex Pereira , who will fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight belt on 14 June, and lightweight king Ilia Topuria , who will headline against Justin Gaethje . Hokit said of Pereira: “I come to devour, you will know the day, you will know the hour [... ] I’m not just gonna win, I’m gonna p*** on him.
“This guy’s the baddest man on the planet? Look at how I speak to him – like my dog, like my b***ch. F*** you, what you gonna do?