UFC Adds Hokit vs. Lewis to White House Card After Viral Brawl

Dana White announces huge new fight for UFC's highly anticipated White House event.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:04am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a UFC heavyweight fight, with the figures of the two fighters broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the raw power and intensity of the matchup.The UFC's addition of a heavyweight showdown between rising star Josh Hokit and fan favorite Derrick Lewis to the White House card injects new energy and intrigue into the highly anticipated event.Washington Today

In a surprising turn of events, the UFC has added a heavyweight bout between Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis to the upcoming UFC White House card on June 14. The fight was put together after President Donald Trump asked Dana White why Derrick Lewis wasn't on the card, and UFC analyst Joe Rogan suggested adding Hokit, who had just delivered a standout performance at UFC 327.

Why it matters

The addition of Hokit vs. Lewis to the UFC White House card is a major boost, as many had criticized the original lineup as being weak. Hokit is a rising star after his viral win over Curtis Blaydes, while Lewis is one of the most popular and powerful heavyweights in the sport, making this a can't-miss fight for fans.

The details

The timeline of how this fight came together is quite remarkable. After Hokit's impressive victory over Blaydes at UFC 327, President Trump asked White why Lewis wasn't on the White House card. White then called Lewis, who agreed to the fight on the spot. During the Hokit-Blaydes fight, UFC commentator Joe Rogan asked if it was too late to add Hokit to the White House card, and White made it happen.

  • Hokit defeated Blaydes at UFC 327.
  • President Trump asked Dana White why Derrick Lewis wasn't on the White House card.
  • White called Lewis, who agreed to fight on the White House card.
  • During the Hokit-Blaydes fight, Joe Rogan suggested adding Hokit to the White House card.
  • White booked the Hokit vs. Lewis fight for the UFC White House event on June 14.

The players

Josh Hokit

A former NFL player and Olympic-level wrestler who has developed a polarizing persona in MMA, but delivered a standout performance in his recent win over Curtis Blaydes that has catapulted him to stardom.

Derrick Lewis

One of the most popular and powerful heavyweight fighters in the UFC, known for his explosive knockout power and entertaining personality. Lewis is also a favorite of President Trump.

Dana White

The president of the UFC who booked the Hokit vs. Lewis fight for the upcoming UFC White House event.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who will be in attendance for the UFC White House event on his 80th birthday.

Joe Rogan

The longtime UFC color commentator who suggested adding Hokit to the White House card during his fight with Blaydes.

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What’s next

The UFC White House event will take place on June 14 and will feature the newly added Hokit vs. Lewis heavyweight bout, as well as two title fights - Topuria vs. Gaethje and Pereira vs. Gane.

The takeaway

The addition of the Hokit vs. Lewis fight to the UFC White House card is a major boost, as it adds star power and excitement to an event that was previously criticized for having a weak lineup. This unexpected matchup is sure to deliver fireworks and capture the attention of both casual and hardcore MMA fans.