UFC President Dana White distanced himself from comments made by a fighter during a White House fight card, calling remarks about former first lady Michelle Obama "nasty and false."

Mediaite reported that the comments came on Sunday during UFC Freedom 250, an event held on the White House lawn.

After defeating Derrick Lewis by knockout in a heavyweight bout, fighter Josh Hokit used his post-fight interview with commentator Joe Rogan to shout, "Michelle Obama is a man!"

According to Time Magazine, White responded to the remark in a text message Monday.

"I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families," White told the magazine. "Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense."

Time reported that the crowd reacted with a mix of laughter and groans. Rogan did not address the comment during the interview or later in the event.

The incident drew criticism online and prompted questions for the White House.

According to Time, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White has previously defended fighters' rights to express their views while criticizing some of their statements.

Last year, he said he was "beyond disgusted" by remarks made by UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell praising Adolf Hitler but said Mitchell would not be disciplined because of his free speech rights.

Before Sunday's event, White said he did not view the White House fight card as a political event and described it as something Americans of all backgrounds could enjoy.