top of page

UFC: Derrick Lewis fight added to UFC's White House card at Trump's urging

The UFC has added Derrick Lewis versus Josh Hokit to the UFC Freedom 250 card set for this summer at the White House, a move which UFC CEO Dana White says came at the request of President Donald Trump.

Field Level Media

​

​

April 12, 2026

UFC: Derrick Lewis fight added to UFC's White House card at Trump's urging

The winner of the fight, Paulo Costa, speaks to U.S. President Donald Trump, after a match during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, U.S., April 11, 2026.

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

The UFC has added Derrick Lewis versus Josh Hokit to the UFC Freedom 250 card set for this summer at the White House, a move which UFC CEO Dana White says came at the request of President Donald Trump.


The heavyweight fight between Lewis (29-13 MMA), who holds the UFC knockout record with 16, and Hokit (9-0 MMA), who beat Curtis Blaydes at Saturday's UFC 327 event in Miami, becomes the seventh fight at the June 14 event, which is commemorating the United States' 250th birthday.


White said at his press conference Saturday that Trump, who was in attendance Saturday, asked him why Lewis was not on the card for the White House event.


"I'm sure you guys just saw the Hokit fight," White said. "About an hour ago, the president leans over to me and says, 'Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?' and I said, 'Hold on, Mr. President.' I stepped away and called Derrick Lewis and said, 'Derrick, the president just asked why you're not on the card. Do you want to fight on the White House card?' He said, 'Of course.'"


White said the match was confirmed shortly after that when he talked to Hokit after his unanimous-decision win, which improved his UFC record to 3-0.

TOP SPORTS STORIES

SOCCER: Neymar's father appointed CEO of Brazilian club Santos FC

SOCCER: Neymar's father appointed CEO of Brazilian club Santos FC

NBA: Doncic scores 53 as Lakers rally past Blazers

NBA: Doncic scores 53 as Lakers rally past Blazers

TENNIS: Alex Eala books slot in Hong Kong Open semifinals

TENNIS: Alex Eala books slot in Hong Kong Open semifinals

LATEST NEWS

Pope Leo urges South Americans to bridge divisions between their countries

Pope Leo urges South Americans to bridge divisions between their countries

Heavy rain floods tents of displaced people in Gaza

Heavy rain floods tents of displaced people in Gaza

2026 ASEAN Summit in Manila: Angelina Jolie to talk on global humanitarian action

2026 ASEAN Summit in Manila: Angelina Jolie to talk on global humanitarian action

bottom of page