Josh Hokit backs Sean O’Malley ahead of UFC White House

Sean O'Malley said he should have supported Josh Hokit during a Newark press event altercation, a detail that informs pre-fight dynamics before June 14. The UFC Freedom 250 White House card features Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis and O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi on the same night. Alex Pereira meets Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title, and Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight belt against Justin Gaethje. At the Newark presser, Hokit directed remarks at Pereira; Topuria responded by throwing water, and security escorted Hokit out. O'Malley later said proximity to Pereira tempered his response and acknowledged he should have backed Hokit, while Hokit welcomed the support and forecast O'Malley could beat Topuria.