Donald Trump personally intervened to secure Derrick Lewis a spot on the UFC's historic White House event, which falls on the US President's 80th birthday.
UFC chief Dana White revealed that President Trump, watching from ringside at UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday, questioned why Lewis was absent from the June 14 card.
White said: "I called Derrick Lewis and said, 'Derrick, the President just asked me why you're not on the card. Do you wanna fight on the White House card?' And [Lewis] goes, 'Of course I do. Tell the President, thank you, I want to do it.'"
Lewis's opponent was determined moments later when Josh Hokit produced a stunning performance against fifth-ranked Curtis Blaydes on the UFC 327 main card.
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The heavyweight clash proved an instant classic, with both fighters bloodied and visibly hurt throughout 15 minutes of relentless action.
Neither man would fall, however, in what commentators hailed as one of the division's finest contests.
Former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, working commentary duties, expressed disbelief at the quality of the bout.
Hokit, whose WWE-inspired persona had divided opinion during fight week, ultimately claimed a points victory over his compatriot before delivering a rhyming speech to interviewer Joe Rogan.
Donald Trump personally intervened to secure Derrick Lewis a spot on the UFC's historic White House event
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Rogan then asked whether space remained on the White House card, prompting White to approach Hokit about facing Lewis.
Within 10 minutes, both fighters had agreed terms, with the bout becoming the seventh contest on UFC Freedom 250.
"President Trump built one half of that fight, and Rogan built the other half," White said, describing how the matchup materialised organically during the evening's broadcast.
The UFC chief, seated alongside his close friend the President, shared the announcement via social media while the Miami event was still underway.
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Derrick Lewis is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of the UFC
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White added: "Pretty badass how that played out organically during the fight [card]."
The headline bout sees Ilia Topuria defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje in a unification clash.
Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will contest the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event, following Pereira's decision to vacate his light-heavyweight belt.
Sean O'Malley, Michael Chandler and Diego Lopes also feature on the card.
UFC chief Dana White revealed that President Trump questioned why Lewis was absent from the June 14 card
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Bonuses for the event have been increased to a remarkable $1million, it was announced during the Miami broadcast.
Fans reacted enthusiastically to the news on social media, sharing their excitement for the event.
One wrote: "Dana White cooked with that fight."
Another added: "That press conference is gonna be wild as well..."
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