UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit used his post-match interview at the White House on Sunday night to insult former First Lady Michelle Obama with a transphobic and racist conspiracy theory that has been used to attack her since she lived in the White House.

Hokit knocked out Derrick Lewis in the third round of their heavyweight fight at UFC Freedom 250, held on the South Lawn for President Donald Trump's 80th birthday weekend. After the win, Hokit spoke to Joe Rogan inside the Octagon. Before exiting, the 28-year-old shouted, "And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?"

Per Variety, the 4,000-strong crowd groaned at the comment. Some attendees laughed. Others appeared surprised. Rogan, visibly flustered, did not respond. He simply said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit," and the broadcast moved on.

Just moments earlier, Hokit had placed a chain and pendant around Trump's neck during his celebration. A White House pool reporter said Trump removed the chain shortly after Hokit's interview. It is unclear if Trump's choice was a reaction to the comment.

The "Michelle Obama is a man" claim is not new. It is a transphobic and racist conspiracy theory that has been used against the former First Lady since 2007, weaponizing both transphobia and the misgendering of Black women, who are often targets of similar attacks. Michelle Obama has addressed it directly over the years, including in interviews with Oprah Winfrey and on her own podcast "IMO," where she has spoken candidly about the racist attacks she has faced and continues to face.

In attendance with Trump on Sunday: First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, UFC CEO Dana White, Mark Zuckerberg, Ivanka Trump, and comedians Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe. Michelle Obama has not publicly responded to Hokit's comments.