UFC President Dana White acknowledged that he deliberately matched heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit against difficult opponents because he disapproved of comments Hokit made.
Hokit recently defeated former title challenger Derrick Lewis at the UFC Freedom 250 event held on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026.
White's admission came in an interview with SB Nation's Alexander Behunin, published November 5, 2026. He stated he "didn't like some of the things he said" and therefore gave Hokit "tough guys."
The win over Lewis marked a significant step for Hokit, who has faced a steep climb in the heavyweight division.
