UFC President Dana White has acknowledged that he deliberately matched heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit against difficult opponents because he disapproved of comments Hokit made, White revealed in a recent interview.
Hokit secured a victory over former title challenger Derrick Lewis at the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026. The fight was part of a card staged at the presidential residence in Washington, D.C.
White's admission suggests that matchmaking decisions were influenced by personal feelings toward the fighter, a departure from the typical sport-based criteria. Hokit's win over Lewis, a veteran known for his knockout power, marked a significant step in his UFC career.
