WASHINGTON, D.C. — Derrick Lewis is officially headed to the highly anticipated UFC White House card after a last-minute push from Donald Trump.
According to reports, Trump—who attended UFC 327 in Miami—personally asked Dana White why one of his favorite fighters wasn’t included on the historic card.
The request was quickly answered.
Derrick Lewis vs Josh Hokit Booked on Short Notice
Following Trump’s comments, the Ultimate Fighting Championship moved swiftly to finalize a heavyweight matchup between Lewis and rising contender Josh Hokit.
The fight was added as a late booking, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about matchups tied to the event.
Betting Odds Favor Josh Hokit Heavily
Oddsmakers wasted no time releasing early lines for the fight—and they aren’t favoring the veteran knockout artist.
Opening Odds:
- Derrick Lewis: +330
- Josh Hokit: -400
Despite Lewis’ reputation as one of the most dangerous heavyweights in MMA history, the odds suggest confidence in Hokit’s momentum and upside.
Trump’s Influence Adds Buzz to Historic Event
The UFC White House card has already generated massive attention, but Trump’s direct involvement in shaping the lineup adds another layer of intrigue.
Dana White has previously acknowledged Lewis as one of Trump’s favorite fighters, making the late addition both personal and headline-grabbing.
What This Means for Derrick Lewis
For Lewis, the fight presents both opportunity and risk:
- A chance to make a statement on a global stage
- A dangerous matchup against a heavily favored opponent
- Another opportunity to remind fans of his knockout power
With the odds stacked against him, Lewis once again steps into the role of underdog—a position he’s thrived in before.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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