ESPN host and sports media personality Stephen A. Smith drew swift backlash Monday after posting praise for the production quality of UFC Freedom 250, the first professional mixed martial arts event staged on the South Lawn of the White House.
Smith described the show as a “big time” spectacle and gave props to UFC President Dana White, even as the event — tied to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary — faced criticism over a fighter’s inflammatory post-fight remark about former first lady Michelle Obama and amid Smith’s own recent public clashes with Trump.
Gotta be honest, this @ufc event at the White House looks spectacular. This is a big time show. I’m not there, and we all know all the complaints folks had about renovations at and around the White House, etc, but — to be fair — this is some impressive stuff I’m looking at. Props…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 15, 2026
Smith’s praise arrived against the backdrop of a personal and public feud with Trump. Earlier in June, Smith criticized Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden as “selfish,” “narcissistic,” and detrimental to fans and the city, citing heightened security and disruptions. Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Smith an “arrogant fool” and “low IQ individual.”
Smith later addressed the remarks in interviews, stating that the “low IQ” comment “definitely crosses racial lines” and challenging Trump to a debate while defending his own intelligence and record.
The event’s optics grew more fraught when heavyweight Josh Hokit, after securing a second-round TKO victory over Derrick Lewis, used his post-fight interview to thank President Trump before declaring variations of “Michelle Obama is a man.” Hokit has a documented history of similar provocative statements, including describing himself as “100% transphobic” and past use of racial slurs in other contexts.
The remark, delivered on White House property during a nationally televised card, triggered immediate outrage. Many labeled it racist, disrespectful, and emblematic of the risks of platforming unfiltered combat sports personalities in a setting meant to represent national dignity. Clips spread rapidly across social media and traditional outlets.
Smith’s post quickly amassed hundreds of replies, many sharply critical. Users accused him of hypocrisy, bootlicking, or willfully overlooking the event’s most controversial elements while offering measured praise.
Representative reactions included:
- “Damn, you couldn’t wait to come back and lick that boot.”
- “You’re an utter embarrassment.”
- “U okay with this?” (posted alongside a clip of the Michelle Obama remark).
- “What an DISGRACE! You know better than to support this RACIST shit! SHAME ON YOU Stephen!”
- “You’re cheerleading this after what was said about the former First Lady? Man you’re a f*ckin CLOWN.”
- “He called you low IQ and you continue to boot lick. Youre pathetic. Grow a spine and stand up to the bully.”
- “Dude, you’re a disgrace. Racist president calls you dumb and you continue to lick those boots. Let me guess… no comment on the Michelle Obama slander? Didn’t think so.”
Sad times for Mr. A.
