Josh Hokit has been added to the UFC: White House card to fight Derrick Lewis on June 14 after his wild three-round brawl with Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.
How the fight was added
UFC president Dana White announced the late addition live on social media during the UFC 327 broadcast. White said the change came after President Trump asked why Derrick Lewis was not on the White House card. White called Lewis and offered the spot. Lewis accepted.
The event is listed as UFC: White House and also promoted as UFC Freedom Fights 250, taking place on the lawn of the White House on June 14.
Hokit vs. Blaydes — the brawl that set it up
Hokit earned the matchup with Lewis after a frenetic fight with Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. Hokit, a former NFL fullback, attacked from the opening bell and used heavy power punches to set a fast pace.
Blaydes was hurt and bloodied early, but he pressed forward and turned the match into an all-out heavyweight brawl. The two fighters kept trading heavy shots and, surprisingly, the fight went the distance. Hokit won by unanimous decision (29-28 on all three scorecards).
Both Hokit and Blaydes were taken to hospital for checks after the fight because of the damage they absorbed. Hokit agreed to the Lewis fight before leaving the arena.
What this fight means for Hokit and Lewis
Hokit is now 9-0 and is three fights into his UFC run after coming in from Dana White’s Contender Series last year. The fight with Lewis is a big opportunity for the undefeated heavyweight, but it comes quickly after the brutal contest with Blaydes. Hokit has only about two months to prepare.
Derrick Lewis accepted the fight and will face Hokit on June 14 on the White House lawn. The matchup is a late addition to the card and adds star power to the heavyweight lineup.
Other fights on the UFC: White House card
The card will be headlined by a lightweight title fight between champion Ilia Topuria and BMF champion Justin Gaethje. The co-main event will feature Alex Pereira making his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Josh Hokit | Defeated Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision at UFC 327 (29-28 x3) |
| Curtis Blaydes | Lost to Josh Hokit by unanimous decision at UFC 327 |
Report by UFCcoverage.
