Dana White Declines to Scold Josh Hokit Amidst Title Fight Announcement, Cites Free Speech

Josh Hokit’s controversial statements have not led to disciplinary action from UFC President Dana White, even as Hokit steps up as the No. 1 contender in the heavyweight division.

Reports and speculation culminated in the official confirmation during the UFC 331 broadcast: Hokit will face Ciryl Gane. Gane is now recognized as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion following the vacancy of Tom Aspinall’s title. The Gane vs. Hokit title bout is set to headline UFC 331 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 14.

Hokit’s public persona has drawn criticism. White previously condemned Hokit for referring to former First Lady Michelle Obama as a man after Hokit’s UFC Freedom 250 victory over Derrick Lewis. However, White has consistently supported his fighters’ right to self-expression. During the UFC 331 post-fight press conference, White reiterated this stance, stating he would not make an exception for Hokit.

"I don’t police what people say," White told reporters. "I always say—you don’t need to be liked by me to thrive and succeed here. Many people I don’t like have succeeded greatly here. I’m not saying I dislike Josh Hokit.

“I honestly don’t like anything Josh Hokit says. That won’t change unless he changes, which I don’t anticipate. I will have to handle that. That’s a ‘me’ issue and I’m sure a ‘you’ issue too.”

Inside the Octagon, Hokit has consistently delivered strong performances. The undefeated fighter demonstrated his capabilities with a "Fight of the Night" performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 311 in April. Hok earned a unanimous decision win over Blaydes. His subsequent victory against Lewis further solidified his standing in the heavyweight division.