UFC Announces New Fight at President Trump’s Request

The UFC has decided to include an additional fight in its upcoming White House card, all thanks to President Trump’s personal request.

While attending UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday, Trump was spotted enjoying the action alongside Dana White, the UFC’s CEO.

During the event at the Caseya Center, Trump turned to White and asked why Derrick Lewis was not part of the upcoming card. Interestingly, this reminded White of Trump’s call for a “freedom fight” scheduled for June 14. White responded, saying he’d be back shortly.

Just before Josh Hokit faced Curtis Blaydes later that evening, White reached out to Lewis, who promptly agreed to join the fight card.

Afterward, UFC commentator Joe Rogan discussed on-air whether Hokit could fill a spot on the Freedom 250 card, which sparked ideas for Lewis’s next matchup.

Dana White mentioned, “I grabbed it. I told [UFC senior vice president of talent relations] Nick [Maynard] to go back there and check if Hokit was available.” In a turn of events, Hokit, though in an ambulance, agreed to participate.

This addition means that one of Trump’s favorite fighters, Derrick Lewis, will now be featured on the UFC card for the White House event.

White remarked, “He’s a fan. He appreciates Lewis’s personality and fighting style.”

Lewis had seen a recent string of victories before facing a knockout loss to Waldo Cortez Acosta in January.

Currently, Hokit holds an undefeated record at 3-0 in the UFC, recording past wins over Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman.

He and Hokit will now contribute to an already impressive Freedom 250 card, which also features reigning champion Leah Topria squaring off against Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title. Additionally, Cyril Gane is set to battle Alex Pereira for the vacant heavyweight title, while Sean O’Malley will meet Ayeman Zahavi in another featured bout.