Following the conclusion of UFC 327, new developments have emerged for the highly anticipated White House Card.
A compelling heavyweight contest featuring Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit has been confirmed for the UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled to take place on June 14th on the South Lawn of the White House.
Earlier in the evening, Josh Hokit delivered an impressive performance, defeating Curtis Blaydes in a hard-fought bout. His dominant showing caught the attention of UFC executives and even U.S. President Donald Trump, who was present at the event.
Following his victory, the 28-year-old Hokit secured his place on this unique card, a development facilitated by President Trump and Joe Rogan.
UFC President Dana White announced the addition of the Lewis vs. Hokit fight during a live stream:
“[After President Trump inquired about Derrick Lewis being on the June 14 card] I stepped away and called Derrick Lewis. I asked, ‘Derrick, the president just asked me why you’re not on the [White House] card. Do you want to fight at the White House card?’ He responded, ‘Of course I do.’ Tell the president thank you; I want to do it. Then the Hokit fight unfolded; he beat the No. 5-ranked guy in the world, and Joe Rogan asked, ‘Is there still room on the White House card?’ We went back and spoke with him. Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis was just added to the White House card in the last ten minutes.”
He further elaborated:
“President Trump was instrumental in building half of that fight, and [Joe] Rogan was responsible for the other half. Both fighters have accepted and agreed to the bout. So, we’re adding one more to the White House [card]. Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis.”
White admitted at the post-fight press conference that he had not intended to add more fights to the UFC Freedom 250 card, but President Trump was insistent on having Derrick Lewis compete on June 14th.
The UFC leader also expressed his hope that Josh Hokit did not sustain any injuries during his fight with Blaydes, as it would be unfortunate if an injury prevented the undefeated and most exciting heavyweight on the roster from participating in the White House event.
