Josh Hokit turned the UFC White House press conference into chaos Friday afternoon after a heated exchange with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria led to security stepping in.
The June 14 card in Washington, D.C., featured all 14 fighters scheduled to compete, and for most of the event things stayed relatively calm.
The heavyweight newcomer, who is set to face Derrick Lewis in a preliminary bout, arrived fully in character. Hokit fired off rhymes and insults aimed at Lewis while trying to stir up reactions from fighters seated on stage.
Lewis barely reacted. Hokit then shifted his attention toward Alex Pereira, but “Poatan” remained unfazed as well. The situation changed once Hokit started continuing his insults while seated near Topuria.
Topuria steps in
Topuria eventually responded after appearing frustrated with Hokit’s antics.
That quickly escalated the situation, with Hokit turning his focus toward the lightweight champion.
“Fck you, you fcking little bitch!” Hokit shouted. “I’m the real BMF belt! Little short midget!”
“Come up to a real weight class! I’ll give it to anybody! I don’t give a f*ck!”
Topuria immediately stood up and appeared ready to confront Hokit before security rushed between them.
For a brief moment, things settled down. Then the tension flared up again after Topuria threw something toward Hokit, forcing security to intervene once more.
Officials then escorted Hokit out of the press conference before the event wrapped up.
Derrick Lewis left waiting on stage
After Hokit was removed, Pereira and Topuria shook hands while UFC CEO Dana White brought the press conference to an end.
Because Hokit was escorted out, he never returned for the traditional faceoff with Lewis at the end of the event.
Lewis seemed unfazed:
“I got him,”
Lewis said.