Explosive moment at UFC White House Presser: Max Holloway slams Josh Hokit and backs Ilia Topuria

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Explosive moment at UFC White House Presser: Max Holloway slams Josh Hokit and backs Ilia Topuria

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated May 11, 2026 12:37 PM ET

Josh Hokit has made headlines again, even without stepping into the octagon this week.

The rising heavyweight didn’t need a fight to stay in the spotlight, finding another way to make his presence felt in Newark during UFC 328.

Hokit had already drawn attention for his antics following a win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327, and he kept the momentum going at Friday’s White House press conference.

This time, it was Alex Pereira who found himself in Hokit’s sights, though Ilia Topuria quickly came to Pereira’s defence.

Max Holloway doesn’t buy into Josh Hokit’s act in the UFC

Hokit was escorted out by security after clashing with Topuria, who responded by standing up and throwing something at him across the stage.

Rogan and Sonnen have backed Hokit’s approach, while others aren’t so impressed. Dana White hasn’t held back his opinion either, saying it’s not something he enjoys, and a large part of the fanbase seems to feel the same way.

Max Holloway recently weighed in on the situation during a stream on his Kick channel: “I saw the clip. It’s crazy,” Holloway said. “Somebody had to tell that guy. That guy’s act is getting out of control. It’s good that he (Topuria) did that. It’s good Ilia did that,” he added.

This wasn’t Hokit’s only incident over the weekend. He also had a run-in with Paulo Costa during Saturday night’s event at Prudential Center. With his next appearance set for June 14 against Derrick Lewis on the White House lawn, security will probably be paying close attention when he shows up.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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