At the UFC White House press conference, Josh Hockett directed profane gestures toward several high-profile fighters. Among those who received the "F*** You" treatment were heavyweight Derrick Lewis, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. The incident occurred during the pre-event media obligations. The post suggests this was a notable moment from the press conference proceedings. Details about the context or fighter reactions are limited in the original report.
Josh Hockett made headlines at the UFC White House press conference on May 8 for all the wrong — or perhaps very deliberate — reasons, directing profane hand gestures at three of the promotion's most prominent fighters during pre-event media obligations.
Hockett singled out heavyweight Derrick Lewis, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, giving each the unmistakable "F*** You" treatment in what became one of the more memorable moments from the proceedings. Details surrounding the specific context of each gesture and any reactions from the fighters involved remain limited.
The targets of Hockett's attention represent some of the biggest names on the UFC roster. Lewis, 41, is one of the most recognizable heavyweights in the sport, holding a 29-14 record and currently ranked eighth in the division. The six-foot-three American from Main Street Boxing and Muay Thai carries a 79-inch reach and has built his reputation as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in heavyweight history.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, enters UFC White House at 38 years old with a 13-4 record. The Brazilian out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and lands an imposing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy — numbers that reflect his standing as one of the most feared strikers in the sport.
Topuria, currently ranked number one pound-for-pound and second in the lightweight division, carries a 17-1 record at just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian fighter lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds a well-rounded threat with 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Hockett publicly antagonized three fighters spanning three separate divisions simultaneously
- The gesture toward the pound-for-pound number one and a reigning champion could carry divisional implications heading into UFC White House on June 14
- Fighter reactions, if any, could shape the pre-fight narrative in the coming weeks
Sunday, June 14, 2026
