Why UFC star flipped off announcer Bruce Buffer at UFC 334 as Dana White reacts
Josh Hokit cemented his place as one of the most controversial fighters in UFC history by becoming the first to flip off legendary announcer Bruce Buffer on Saturday night.
Hokit squared off against Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden.
The 29-year-old lost his title shot via unanimous decision but earned an extra $100,000 on top of his UFC 334 pay packet because of the Fight of the Night bonus.
Why UFC star Josh Hokit showed major disrespect to Bruce Buffer
Hokit is prone to making headlines and just before he and Gane traded leather, he was filmed being disrespectful to Buffer by putting his middle finger right in front of his face.
Hokit did this at the exact moment Buffer announced him for the main event bout.
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Viewers were surprised that Hokit, even by his standards, had produced the gesture.
READ NEXT: Dana White rants about 'insane' judges' scorecards after UFC 334 event
But his behaviour came as a result of recent comments Buffer made criticising the 'Incredible Hok'.
When on a Kick streamer Neon, Buffer revealed that while he enjoys what he does in the Octagon - he is not a fan of the way he conducts himself.
Buffer said: "He can fight, but I don't like what he talks about. I think he's disrespectful, and I'm sorry, Josh, if you're watching, it's just the way it is.
This is his thing. It's his game. It's not my style. It's like, show some class. That's just the way I am."
Buffer added that he "didn't appreciate" Hokit's comments at the UFC Freedom 250 White House card, where he caused a major stir by saying, "Michelle Obama is a man!".
He had previously said similar about Brittany Griner and used the n-word in a post-fight interview.
Dana White responds to Josh Hokit 'crossing the line' at UFC 334
Buffer did stress that he would have no problem giving him his trademark introduction, adding: "I introduce him, you step into that Octagon, man or woman, you're putting your blood, sweat and life on the line. I'm there to enhance that moment for you. I give you my all."
In response, Hokit fired back on X and wrote: "I talk trash in the Octagon, but guys on this roster have actual criminal records and rape charges. I have no criminal record, yet I'm not classy enough?"
In his first encounter with Buffer since in the Octagon, he made the statement right in front of the 69-year-old.
Dana White was asked about whether Hokit crossed the line with his latest action in his post-event presser and replied: "That was pretty crazy. I think that threw Buffer off a lot. Nobody's ever flipped Buffer off before. Did it cross the line? Everything the guy does crosses the line.
“Look at what he said in the White House lawn in a fight that’s about America’s 250th birthday that’s supposed to be for everyone, you know?”
“You know, I’d rather have him flip off Bruce Buffer every single fight than say that s**t.”
Hokit lost his undefeated streak after all three judges scored the fight 48-47, 48-47, 48-47 in favour of champion Gane.
Topics: UFC, Dana White
Josh Lawless
