Alexis Ohanian Claps Back After He's Criticized for Attending UFC Freedom 250 Event at White House
Alexis Ohanian Claps Back After He's Criticized for Attending UFC Freedom 250 Event at White House
Anna Lazarus CaplanThu, June 18, 2026 at 4:09 PM UTC
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Alexis OhanianCredit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty -
Alexis Ohanian is speaking out
The entrepreneur, who shares two daughters with Serena Williams, attended the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House
UFC fighter took a derogatory swipe at Michelle Obama on Sunday, June 14
Alexis Ohanian is condemning a UFC fighter’s slur about Michelle Obama while defending his appearance at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.“Lot of people asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter's slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate,” Ohanian, 43, wrote in a message on X on Wednesday, June 17.He continued, “I attended the UFC event via invitation from TKO/IMG leadership [I own 5 pro sports teams + a league]. I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see [UFC president and CEO White] Dana condemn them.”Ohanian, who shares two daughters with wife Serena Williams, then added some context about his stance.“I resigned in protest from Reddit [the company I co-founded and built for over a decade] specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site,” he concluded.
On Sunday, June 14, UFC fighter Josh Hokit took the opportunity after his win on the White House lawn to repeat a hateful lie about the former first lady. After Hokit, 28, defeated opponent Derrick Lewis in the Octagon, he was interviewed by podcaster Joe Rogan in the ring.Concluding his comments, Hokit unexpectedly shouted into the microphone, “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”The comment was met with what appeared to be a conflicted response from the crowd, which included President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams, and their daughters Adira and OlympiaCredit: Denise Truscello/Getty; Serena Williams/Instagram
CNN reported that President Trump appeared to give a small smile after Hokit's remark. He also accepted a chain and a handshake from Hokit.Among the female-centric ventures Ohanian has founded is Athlos, an all-women’s track and field event series.
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In December 2025, he was honored with a TIME100 Impact award. On Instagram, he acknowledged the outlet for the honor.“Thank you, @TIME for recognizing that building real progress in women’s sports is a legacy worth being known for,” he wrote. “It’s one I want my daughters to grow up with - proof that when the world stops underestimating women, anything can happen.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
