UFC Freedom 250 Adds Heavyweight Bout: Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit at White House Event

Following the conclusion of UFC 327, significant new information has emerged regarding the highly anticipated White House Card.

A compelling heavyweight contest between Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis has been officially added to the UFC Freedom 250 event, slated to take place on June 14th on the South Lawn of the White House.

Earlier this evening, Hokit delivered a dominant performance against Curtis Blaydes in a thrilling slugfest. His impressive display caught the attention of UFC executives and, notably, U.S. President Donald Trump, who was present at the event.

Upon securing his victory after a grueling three-round battle, the 28-year-old Hokit earned himself a coveted spot on this unique and historic card, a development facilitated by President Trump and Joe Rogan.

UFC President Dana White confirmed the addition of the Lewis vs. Hokit bout during a live stream, explaining the circumstances behind the matchup.

"[After President Trump expressed interest in having Derrick Lewis compete on the June 14 card] I stepped away and contacted Derrick Lewis. I asked him, 'Derrick, the president just inquired why you aren't scheduled for the [White House] card. Would you be interested in fighting at the White House event?' He responded enthusiastically, 'Absolutely.' He conveyed his gratitude to the president and his desire to participate. Subsequently, the Hokit fight unfolded, and he defeated the number five-ranked fighter in the world. Joe Rogan then asked, 'Is there still availability on the White House card?' We revisited the discussion. Hokit versus Derrick Lewis was finalized and added to the White House card within the last ten minutes."

White further elaborated:

"President Trump was instrumental in facilitating half of this fight's arrangement, and [Joe] Rogan was responsible for the other half. Both fighters have accepted and agreed to the bout. Therefore, we are adding one more matchup to the White House [card]: Hokit versus Derrick Lewis."

Dana White admitted during the post-fight press conference that he had not intended to add any further bouts to the UFC Freedom 250 card. However, President Trump was insistent on having Derrick Lewis featured on the June 14th event.

The UFC head honcho also expressed his hope that Josh Hokit did not sustain any injuries during his fight with Blaydes, emphasizing how unfortunate it would be if an injury prevented the undefeated and highly entertaining heavyweight from participating in the White House event.