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In an unexpected twist, the UFC has announced an exciting addition to its upcoming White House fight card, spurred by none other than a request from President Trump himself.
President Trump was a notable presence at UFC 327 in Miami this past Saturday, where he enjoyed the electrifying atmosphere of the event seated next to UFC CEO Dana White at the Kaseya Center.
Amidst the thrilling matches, President Trump turned to his long-time friend and ally, White, with a curious inquiry. “Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?” he asked, referring to the highly anticipated Freedom Fights slated for June 14.
White, recalling the moment, shared, “I told him, ‘I’ll be back in five minutes.'” True to his word, White promptly contacted heavyweight fighter Derrick Lewis, who eagerly agreed to join the card, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
The conversation and swift decision unfolded just before Josh Hokit secured a victory over Curtis Blaydes, further highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the UFC world.
White’s close friend, UFC commentator Joe Rogan, then posited on the broadcast whether there was an open spot for Hokit on the Freedom 250 card, providing the CEO with the inspiration for Lewis’ next opponent.
“I grabbed [UFC senior vice president of talent relations] Nick [Maynard] and I said, “Go back there and talk [to Hokit], see if he’s in,” White told reporters.
“And Hokit was getting into an ambulance and said yes.”
The Lewis-Hokit card means that one of Trump’s favorite fighters will be participating in the White House UFC card.
“He’s a fan. He likes Derrick Lewis, he likes his personality, he likes the way he fights,” White told reporters of the president.
Lewis, who was knocked out in his fight to Waldo Cortes Acosta in January, had previously won three consecutive fights.
Hokit has a 3-0 record in UFC with previous wins over Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman as well.
He and Hokit will join a stacked Freedom 250 card, which includes reigning champion lia Topuria against Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title
Ciryl Gane will also face off against Alex Pereira for the vacant heavyweight title, while Sean O’Malley will also fight Aiemann Zahabi.