Trump interacts with UFC Freedom 250 fighter Josh Hokit after chain gesture amid backlash

US President Donald Trump Removes Chain Gifted By Josh Hokit After UFC Fighter's Controversial Remark On Michelle Obama Draws Backlash | Video

What was meant to be a celebratory moment at the historic UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn quickly turned awkward after President Donald Trump appeared to distance himself from heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit following a controversial post-fight interview.Hokit had just secured a dominant victory over Derrick Lewis at the UFC event, which was held as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and coincided with Trump's 80th birthday. After the win, the undefeated heavyweight grabbed headlines not only for his performance inside the cage but also for remarks he made during post-fight interviews that sparked widespread criticism.DEVELOPING: Footage has released of President Trump removing Josh Hokit’s chain after he said Michelle Obama was a man at UFC 250 on the White House lawn. pic.twitter.com/BSTG0ZTmCH— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) June 16, 2026 Look closely at what Josh Hokit gave President Trump! pic.twitter.com/xHaquUSKiz— USA NEWS (@usanewshq) June 15, 2026 During the celebrations, Hokit was seen interacting with Trump and even placed a chain around the president's neck. However, footage that quickly circulated online appeared to show Trump removing the chain shortly afterward, a moment that many viewers interpreted as an attempt to distance himself from the fighter after the controversy erupted. The clip rapidly gained traction across social media, becoming one of the most discussed moments from the event.The controversy stemmed from comments Hokit made about former First Lady Michelle Obama during post-fight interviews. The remarks drew criticism from fans, politicians and figures within the MMA community. As a result, attention shifted away from Hokit's impressive victory and toward the fallout surrounding his statements and the viral interaction with Trump. What should have been one of the defining moments of the fighter's career instead became overshadowed by controversy, with the image of Trump removing the chain emerging as one of the most talked-about scenes from the unprecedented White House UFC event.

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Josh Hokit Gifts His Chain To Donald Trump After Defeating Derrick Lewis In UFC Freedom 250 At White House | VIDEO

Washington, June 15: UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit presented a necklace to US President Donald Trump after defeating Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight bout at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on Sunday.UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit shared the special moment with Donald Trump after his victory at the White House event. Shortly after the fight, Hokit approached Trump, who was seated ringside and presented him with a necklace. Videos from the event showed the fighter stepping down from the fighting platform and handing over the necklace while a large crowd watched.Josh Hokit gifts @POTUS his chain pic.twitter.com/dzEh4SuFlV— Mukesh Kumar (@real_mukesh5) June 15, 2026 The gesture quickly went viral on social media. The event was attended by thousands of guests and marked a rare sporting spectacle at the White House.UFC Freedom 250 was held on June 14, 2026, on the White House South Lawn in Washington, DC. The event was organised to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and also coincided with Trump's 80th birthday. It featured seven UFC fights and was billed as the first professional sporting event to be staged on White House grounds.New bling pic.twitter.com/FpQ3nuBoSs— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 15, 2026 VIDEO: Trump Makes Grand UFC Freedom 250 Entrance With Dana White On 80th Birthday.@DanaWhite and @RealDonaldTrump have arrived at #UFCWhiteHouse. pic.twitter.com/xUjtSQP64Y— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026 Hokit's bout against Derrick Lewis was one of the heavyweight contests on the card. The event was hosted in partnership with the UFC and drew significant public attention because of its unique venue and the presence of political leaders, athletes and celebrities.

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