UFC Adds Hokit vs. Lewis to White House Card

The heavyweight fight will take place at the Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense action of a UFC heavyweight fight, with the fighters' forms fractured and overlapping in a vibrant display of color and movement.The UFC's decision to host an event at the White House brings the sport of MMA into the political spotlight, with an intriguing heavyweight clash set to take place on the South Lawn.Today in Miami

Dana White announced that Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis will face off at the UFC Freedom 250 event to be held at the White House on June 14. Hokit earned his spot on the card after an impressive Unanimous Decision victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami. Lewis, a veteran heavyweight, is looking to bounce back from a recent TKO loss.

Why it matters

The UFC's decision to hold an event at the White House is a significant political and cultural moment, bringing the sport of MMA into the political spotlight. The Hokit vs. Lewis fight will be one of the marquee bouts on the card, which also features several other high-profile matchups.

The details

Hokit, who is 9-0 in his professional career, earned his spot on the White House card after defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami. Dana White was impressed with Hokit's performance and immediately added him to the Freedom 250 event, where he will face veteran heavyweight Derrick Lewis, who holds a 29-13 (1 NC) record. Lewis is looking to rebound after a TKO loss to Waldo Cortest-Acosta in January.

  • Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami on April 12, 2026.
  • The UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House is scheduled for June 14, 2026.

The players

Josh Hokit

A 9-0 heavyweight prospect who recently earned a UFC contract after an impressive run on Dana White's Contender Series.

Derrick Lewis

A veteran heavyweight fighter with a 29-13 (1 NC) professional record, looking to bounce back from a recent TKO loss.

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who added the Hokit vs. Lewis fight to the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House.

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What they’re saying

“Josh Hokit earned his spot on the White House card with his win over Curtis Blaydes, and now he's got a big test against Derrick Lewis.”

— Dana White, UFC President

What’s next

The UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House is scheduled for June 14, 2026, where the Hokit vs. Lewis heavyweight fight will take place.

The takeaway

The UFC's decision to hold an event at the White House is a significant moment, bringing the sport of MMA into the political spotlight. The Hokit vs. Lewis heavyweight fight will be one of the marquee bouts on the card, showcasing the rising talent of Hokit against the veteran experience of Lewis.