Josh Hokit Put The Final Nail In Cam Newton’s Career

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Josh Hokit continues to face criticism for comments he made after his victory at UFC Freedom 250.

This time, former NFL MVP Cam Newton joined the growing list of athletes and media personalities speaking out against the UFC heavyweight.

Hokit sparked controversy after defeating Derrick Lewis at the White House event. During his post-fight interview, he made remarks about former First Lady Michelle Obama that immediately generated backlash across sports and social media.

The fallout has continued for more than a week. UFC president Dana White criticized the comments, while former UFC champion Daniel Cormier also publicly condemned them. Now, Cam Newton has weighed in as well.

Josh Hokit Draws Criticism From Cam Newton

Speaking on his “4th & 1” podcast, Newton did not hold back when discussing the situation.

“In our culture, we don’t play about certain individuals,” Newton said. “That was tasteless. You’re doing way too much.”

“He saw that regurgitating and had diarrhea out of that mouth,” he added, possibly referencing Hokit’s fake vomit stunt the night before his fight.

He also pointed out that even UFC commentator Joe Rogan appeared surprised by the remarks.

According to Newton, the comments were unnecessary and overshadowed what should have been a career-defining moment for the heavyweight fighter.

Hokit responded to Newton.  

“Tasteless, lol I’d literally slap you tasteless, and you wouldn’t do anything about it,” Hokit wrote on X. 

Tasteless lol I’d literally slap you tasteless and you wouldn’t do anything about it.. https://t.co/j5O5CJo6Ze

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) June 22, 2026

Josh Hokit Refuses To Back Down

Despite the criticism, Josh Hokit has not apologized. Instead, he defended the remarks during an appearance on Ariel Helwani’s show. Hokit claimed he intended the comments as a compliment and insisted he would not backtrack from statements he makes publicly.

“I thought I was giving her a compliment,” he told Helwani. “I don’t think anyone viewed Michelle Obama as a man. It’s more like she knows how to deal with adversity, she knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough.

“It was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with freedom of speech… In other parts of the world, you say something like that and you die.”

“That’s one thing about my career… You’ll never hear me backtrack from what I say.”

What began as a celebration of Hokit’s victory quickly evolved into a discussion involving some of the biggest names in sports media.

With Cam Newton, Dana White, Daniel Cormier, and others weighing in, the spotlight has shifted away from the fight itself and toward the ongoing reaction.