Why was Josh Hokit missing? UFC reveals startling update after White House list snub

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Josh Hokit will be showing up at the press conference after all, despite not being originally listed.

Hokit, nicknamed ‘The Incredible Hok’, was added to the White House card late. He is set to take on veteran Derrick Lewis following his memorable fight against Curtis Blaydes in Miami last April.

That happened after a request from President Donald Trump for ‘The Black Beast’ to be on the card. Both men were initially left out of the press conference lineup, but that has now changed.

The pair looked like they were the only ones not scheduled to attend fight week’s media events, with their names missing from the original lineup. That decision has since been reversed.

Josh Hokit added to UFC White House press conference lineup

Hokit, who made his Octagon debut in November, has quickly made a name for himself. His win over Blaydes at UFC 327 pushed his record to 3-0 and earned him a spot as the No. 5-ranked heavyweight.

But much of the buzz around ‘The Incredible Hok’ hasn’t been about what he’s done in the cage.

The former American football player has become known for his outspoken style and some strange moments during fight weeks. Before UFC 327, he got into it with Jiri Prochazka thanks to his unusual approach.

Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira were next on that list. Hokit was pulled from the press conference promoting UFC White House in Newark last month after a run-in with ‘Poatan’ led to a confrontation with ‘El Matador’.

It initially looked like there wouldn’t be a chance for history to repeat itself next week in Washington D.C.

Spanish reporter Alvaro Colmenero posted an image of information sent to credentialed media for the June 14 event, which showed that Hokit was not listed to appear at the press conference.

Colmenero later clarified that this was an error, sharing that both Hokit and Lewis would be present in Washington D.C., according to confirmation from the UFC.

With attention around him growing, Hokit is likely planning more unusual antics as he aims to make an impression at what is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of 2026 so far.