Dana White Won't Scold Josh Hokit Over Controversial Remarks Ahead of UFC 334 Title Fight

Despite his personal disapproval of Josh Hokit's statements, UFC President Dana White will not discipline the fighter. Hokit is set to challenge Ciryl Gane for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title at UFC 334.

The announcement of Gane vs. Hokit headlining UFC 334 in New York City on November 14 was confirmed during the UFC 331 broadcast. Hokit's recent comments, including calling former First Lady Michelle Obama a man after his win at UFC Freedom 250, have drawn criticism. However, White reiterated his stance on fighter expression.

"I don’t police what people say," White told reporters after UFC 331. "I say it all the time—I don’t have to like you for you to thrive here and you to do well and be successful. Many people that I do not like have done very well here. I’m not saying that I don’t like Josh Hokit."

He continued, "I literally don’t f*cking like anything that Josh Hokit says. That’s not going to change unless he changes, which I don’t see happening. I’m going to have to deal with that. That’s a ‘me’ issue and I’m sure a ‘you’ issue.”

Hokit has demonstrated strong performances in the Octagon. He secured a "Fight of the Night" win against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 311 and later defeated Derrick Lewis, solidifying his position in the heavyweight division.

Dana White Will Not Discipline Josh Hokit for Controversial Statements

UFC President Dana White has indicated he will not reprimand Josh Hokit, despite disagreeing with the fighter's controversial remarks. Hokit is slated to face Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 334.

Following speculation, it was confirmed on the UFC 331 broadcast that Hokit will challenge Gane, who is now the undisputed heavyweight champion due to Tom Aspinall's vacant title. The Gane vs. Hokit bout is scheduled to headline UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 14.

Hokit's public statements have caused controversy. White previously criticized Hokit for referring to former First Lady Michelle Obama as a man after his win at UFC Freedom 250. Despite this, White has consistently supported fighters' freedom of expression. He told reporters during the UFC 331 post-fight press conference that this situation would be no different.

"I don’t police what people say," White stated. "I say it all the time—I don’t have to like you for you to thrive here and you to do well and be successful. Many people that I do not like have done very well here. I’m not saying that I don’t like Josh Hokit.

“I literally don’t f*cking like anything that Josh Hokit says. That’s not going to change unless he changes, which I don’t see happening. I’m going to have to deal with that. That’s a ‘me’ issue and I’m sure a ‘you’ issue.”

Inside the Octagon, Hokit has proven his capabilities. The undefeated fighter earned a "Fight of the Night" award for his performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 311 in April, winning by unanimous decision. His subsequent victory over Lewis further cemented his status in the heavyweight division.