Jackson-Wink's Hokit gets spot on White House card

Albuquerque-based fighter's achievements in cage speak louder than his controversial statements

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and collisions of two MMA fighters engaged in a fierce match, conveying the visceral nature of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the intense battle between rising MMA star Josh Hokit and veteran Curtis Blaydes, highlighting the raw energy and physicality of their clash in the Octagon.Albuquerque Today

Josh Hokit, a heavyweight MMA fighter who trains at Jackson-Wink in Albuquerque, has been added to the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card scheduled for the White House South Lawn on June 14. Hokit (9-0) defeated veteran Curtis Blaydes (19-6) by unanimous decision at UFC 327 in Miami, earning a $1,000 performance bonus. Despite Hokit's history of controversial statements, UFC President Dana White said his fighting abilities outweigh his words.

Why it matters

Hokit's addition to the high-profile White House card showcases the growing prominence of Jackson-Wink, Albuquerque's renowned MMA training gym, on the national stage. However, Hokit's history of making inflammatory comments has drawn criticism, raising questions about how the UFC will handle his public persona.

The details

In his UFC debut last August, Hokit made controversial comments about Brazilian fighters and transgender athletes. He has continued to make provocative statements before and after his fights. Despite this, Hokit's dominant performance against the highly ranked Blaydes has earned him a spot on the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card at the White House. Hokit is scheduled to face veteran heavyweight Derrick Lewis (29-13) on the June 14 event.

  • On April 11, 2026, Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision at UFC 327 in Miami.
  • On June 14, 2026, Hokit is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis on the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card at the White House South Lawn.

The players

Josh Hokit

A 9-0 heavyweight MMA fighter who trains at Jackson-Wink in Albuquerque and is known for his controversial statements, but has earned a spot on the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card at the White House.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has criticized Hokit's behavior but said his fighting abilities outweigh his words.

Curtis Blaydes

A veteran UFC heavyweight fighter who Hokit defeated by unanimous decision at UFC 327.

Derrick Lewis

A veteran UFC heavyweight fighter who Hokit is scheduled to face on the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card at the White House.

Steve Garcia

An Albuquerque featherweight fighter from Jackson-Wink who is also scheduled to compete on the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card.

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What they’re saying

“He walked the talk (Saturday), you know what I mean?”

— Dana White, UFC President

“I kind of use that for the post-fight speech as well, and the interviews after. I'm just having fun with it.”

— Josh Hokit, MMA Fighter

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Hokit to compete on the White House card, given his history of controversial statements.

The takeaway

Hokit's addition to the high-profile White House card highlights the growing prominence of Albuquerque's Jackson-Wink gym, but also raises questions about how the UFC will handle his provocative public persona going forward.