Zuffa LLC

Josh Hokit’s antics have been marred in controversy, but Dana White won’t scold the new No. 1 contender in the UFC heavyweight division.

Following rumors and speculation, the UFC 331 broadcast confirmed that Hokit will indeed be challenging Ciryl Gane, who is now recognized as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion amid Tom Aspinall’s title vacancy. Gane vs. Hokit is scheduled to headline UFC 331 inside Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 14.

Hokit’s personality has been off-putting to some. White has slammed Hokit publicly for calling former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, a man following his UFC Freedom 250 win over Derrick Lewis. Despite this, the UFC boss has long touted allowing his fighters to express themselves however they see fit, and he told reporters during the UFC 331 post-fight presser that he will not be making an exception here (via MMAFighting).

“I don’t police what people say,” White said. “I say it all the time—I don’t have to like you for you to thrive here and you to do well and be successful. Many people that I do not like have done very well here. I’m not saying that I don’t like Josh Hokit.

“I literally don’t f*cking like anything that Josh Hokit says. That’s not going to change unless he changes, which I don’t see happening. I’m going to have to deal with that. That’s a ‘me’ issue and I’m sure a ‘you’ issue.”

When it comes down to his performances inside the Octagon, Hokit has been delivering the goods. The undefeated star proved his worth with a “Fight of the Night” showing against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 311 back in April. “The Incredible Hok” earned a unanimous decision victory against Curtis Blaydes. His aforementioned victory over Lewis further solidified his place in the heavyweight division.

Do you agree with Dana White’s hands-off approach with Josh Hokit? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM