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Tag: Josh Hokit

  • Alex Pereira Says Ilia Topuria ‘Stepped Up As A Brother’ When Josh Hokit Targeted Him At UFC Press Conference

    Alex Pereira Says Ilia Topuria ‘Stepped Up As A Brother’ When Josh Hokit Targeted Him At UFC Press Conference

    Alex Pereira says he had no idea what Josh Hokit was saying when the rising heavyweight took aim at him during the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference, and credited Ilia Topuria for stepping in on his behalf.

    Hokit directed trash talk at Pereira, who does not speak English, prompting Topuria to throw an object at Hokit. The incident ended the press conference early and resulted in Hokit being escorted out.

    Speaking to MMA Junkie through an interpreter, Pereira explained what he witnessed.

    “You guys saw it there. I don’t understand English, and I think Topuria felt that he saw that, and he stepped up as a brother. Threw the bottle or whatever the case was on Hokit’s face. You saw that he was going too far. To Hokit, how am I going to even talk about that guy? Maybe he’s one of those that doesn’t even get along with his family. You see how that guy has attitude. Maybe he doesn’t get along with his brother, stuff like that.”

    Pereira said he expects tighter security when the two cross paths during fight week and plans to stay composed.

    “Fight week, after this, we’re probably going to have a lot of people around not letting anything happen. Just going to stay cool and composed like I always am. If on fight week this guy is able to get to me to try and do anything, it’s just messed up by the organization. I’m going to stay the same.”

    Pereira and Topuria traveled together on a private plane to visit the White House ahead of their respective UFC Freedom 250 bouts. Pereira faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event on June 14, while Topuria headlines against interim champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout. Hokit meets former title challenger Derrick Lewis on the same card.

  • Josh Hokit Gets Into Confrontation With Paulo Costa at UFC 328

    Josh Hokit Gets Into Confrontation With Paulo Costa at UFC 328

    Josh Hokit has added another altercation to what is becoming a notable collection, getting into a confrontation with Paulo Costa in the crowd at UFC 328 on Saturday night, just one day after being ejected from the UFC White House press conference following his standoff with Ilia Topuria.

    The exchange between Hokit and Costa began when the two started trading words in the crowd before security stepped in to separate them. As officers pulled Costa away, Hokit gave him the middle finger and kept shouting across the divide.

    “There’s only one fing bad guy. Get the fout of here!”

    Costa kept his composure as security maintained the separation while Hokit continued jawing at him from the other side of the crowd.

    You can see the incident on X here.

    The confrontation came 24 hours after Hokit was escorted out of the UFC Freedom 250 press conference in Newark after getting into a back-and-forth with Topuria that ended with the lightweight champion throwing an object at him. Hokit had also targeted Alex Pereira with insults during that same event before turning his attention to Topuria.

    Hokit faces Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington D.C., a matchup reportedly put together at the personal request of Donald Trump and Joe Rogan following his performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.

  • Paulo Costa, Josh Hokit Forced To Be Separated At UFC 328

    Paulo Costa, Josh Hokit Forced To Be Separated At UFC 328

    After causing a stir at the UFC Freedom 250 press conference one day earlier, Josh Hokit was involved in a mid-crowd confrontation with Paulo Costa at UFC 328.

    Costa and Hokit got into a verbal confrontation while sitting in the crowd at the Prudential Center, with the two getting close to one another. Hokit appeared to try and take Costa’s drink from out of his hand, with security quickly stepping in to separate the pair.

    Costa had teased something happening between the two of them earlier in the day on social media.

    One day before UFC 328, Hokit was present for a press conference for UFC Freedom 250, hyping up his bout at the event with Derrick Lewis.

    Hokit called out Alex Pereira, mocking the idea of Pereira being the “Baddest Man on the Planet.” Pereira appeared to ignore Hokit’s tirade, with Ilia Topuria stepping in to fire expletives at Hokit, with Hokit giving them right back.

    Topuria then threw an object at Hokit, who was quickly escorted off the stage.

    Hokit, who has been divisive in the eyes of the MMA community since his arrival to the UFC, earned the opportunity to compete at UFC Freedom 250 after his win over Curtis Blaydes last month.

    UFC Freedom 250, which takes place on the lawn of the UFC White House, will occur on Sunday, June 14.

    Costa made a jump to light heavyweight last month, knocking out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov.

  • Fighter Removed From UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference After Topuria Incident

    Fighter Removed From UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference After Topuria Incident

    Josh Hokit turned the UFC Freedom 250 press conference into something nobody in attendance was expecting on Friday, getting ejected from the event after a confrontation with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria that required security intervention and ended with Hokit being escorted out of the building.

    Hokit, a late addition to the card facing Derrick Lewis in a preliminary heavyweight bout, entered the press conference in character and began directing rhymes and insults at Lewis in his usual style. Lewis showed no reaction. Hokit then turned his attention to Alex Pereira, who was similarly unbothered. That is when Topuria, seated next to Pereira, decided he had heard enough.

    As Hokit continued targeting Pereira with insults, Topuria spoke out against the behavior. That prompted Hokit to redirect at the lightweight champion directly.

    “Fk you, you fing little bh! I’m the real BMF belt! Little short midget! Come up to a real weight class! I’ll give it to anybody! I don’t give a fk!”

    Topuria rose from his seat as though prepared to get physical with the heavyweight. Security stepped in before the two could reach each other, and the situation appeared to settle momentarily. It reignited when Topuria threw an object toward Hokit, prompting security to escort Hokit out of the event entirely.

    After Hokit left, Pereira and Topuria shook hands, and Dana White brought the press conference to a close. Derrick Lewis got one final word in before the stage cleared for faceoffs.

    “I got him.”

    Because of his ejection, Hokit and Lewis did not face off at the event. You can watch the confrontation below: 

    UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington D.C., streaming on Paramount+.

  • WATCH: Ilia Topuria And Josh Hokit Nearly Throw Down Before Security Intervention At UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference

    WATCH: Ilia Topuria And Josh Hokit Nearly Throw Down Before Security Intervention At UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference

    UFC Freedom 250’s press conference in Newark completely descended into chaos after heavyweight contender Josh Hokit launched into an explosive tirade aimed at multiple fighters on stage before security was forced to remove him from the event.

    The press conference, held Friday at the Prudential Center ahead of the historic White House card on June 14, initially followed the usual format as fighters answered questions. But things spiraled once Hokit grabbed the microphone.

    The outspoken heavyweight, who is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, first began directing trash talk toward Alex Pereira. “Poatan”, however, appeared largely unfazed by the comments and barely reacted as Hokit attempted to provoke him.

    As Hokit continued ranting, Ilia Topuria interrupted from his seat, which immediately sent the situation into chaos.

    “I’m gonna Chama on yo mama,” Hokit shouted while pointing toward Pereira. “Look how I speak to him, like my dog, like my b*tch. F*uck you.”

    “El Matador” immediately fired back from his seat.

    “F*ck you, little b*tch. Sit down,” the reiging lightweight champion responded.

    Security Forced To Intervene After Josh Hokit And Ilia Topuria Nearly Clash

    Instead of backing down, Hokit continued jawing at Topuria and pushed the confrontation even further.

    “Ilia Topuria you shouldn’t find your wife in Miami,” Hokit yelled, triggering an immediate reaction inside the room.

    The two fighters quickly rose from their seats and came face-to-face before security rushed in to separate them. Multiple guards surrounded the stage as tensions escalated, eventually escorting Hokit out before the press conference could completely unravel.

    The heavyweight contender was removed so abruptly that he never even got the opportunity to face off with Lewis afterward.

    UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled to take place on June 14 in Washington, D.C., with Topuria set to headline the event against Justin Gaethje while Pereira faces Ciryl Gane in the co-main event for the interim heavyweight championship.

  • Sean Strickland Rips Into Josh Hokit’s Gimmick, Compares It To WWE – “Jake Paul When He Was 13”

    Sean Strickland Rips Into Josh Hokit’s Gimmick, Compares It To WWE – “Jake Paul When He Was 13”

    Sean Strickland isn’t holding back when it comes to the rising profile of Josh Hokit, questioning the authenticity behind the heavyweight contender’s increasingly loud persona.

    During a recent media scrum ahead of his title fight against reigning middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 this Saturday, Strickland was asked about Hokit’s rise and the attention he’s been generating outside the cage.

    While the former 185-pound titleholder didn’t deny “The Incredible Hok’s” abilities, he made it clear he’s not impressed by the way the heavyweight has been presenting himself.

    “Josh Hokit, you’re a grown-a** man,” Strickland said.

    “You’re like almost 30 years old, and you’re acting like a fu*k Jake Paul when he was 13. Stop, bro. You made it, people know who you are, just stop. You don’t have to interview homeless people and be fu*k weird, just fight now!

    “The thing I don’t like about Josh, and again I’ve met Josh and trained with him, he’s a very likable guy. He’s a really nice guy, and I consider him a friend of mine, but at some point, it’s such a fabricated image, and it reminds you of a WWE skit.”

    Hokit’s Fast Rise Paired With Polarizing Image

    Hokit’s transition from professional football to MMA has been rapid, and his performances have quickly pushed him into the heavyweight spotlight. His recent win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 elevated him into the division’s top tier and reinforced his potential as a serious contender.

    At the same time, “The Incredible Hok” has leaned heavily into a chaotic, attention-grabbing persona. His pre-fight antics and bold, often bizarre statements have made him one of the more polarizing figures in the UFC. Some fans see it as entertainment and marketability, while others believe it overshadows his actual skill set.

    Despite the criticism, Hokit’s momentum continues to build. He is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis at the White House event on June 14, a high-profile opportunity that could push him even closer to title contention.

  • Josh Hokit Teases a Big UFC White House Announcement

    Josh Hokit Teases a Big UFC White House Announcement

    Josh Hokit has sent the MMA world into a spin with a cryptic social media post teasing an imminent update about the UFC White House card.

    The breakout heavyweight contender posted “Uh oh” alongside a pair of shifty eyes emojis on X before following it up with a more direct tease.

    “BIG WHITE HOUSE FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT.”

    No additional details were provided, leaving fans to speculate in the comments about what the update might entail. Theories ranged from a fight cancellation to a new addition to the card, with Derrick Lewis being among the names fans mentioned as possibly pulling out of his scheduled bout against Hokit.

    Hokit vs. Lewis was the last of seven fights booked for the June 14 event and was put together at the personal request of Donald Trump and Joe Rogan following Hokit’s performance at UFC 327. The announcement tease has not been followed up at the time of writing.

    The full UFC White House card, as currently announced, features Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje in the main event, Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane in the co-main event, Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia, and Hokit vs. Lewis.

  • Josh Hokit Debunks UFC AI Claims: ‘We Stand There Like Idiots’

    Josh Hokit Debunks UFC AI Claims: ‘We Stand There Like Idiots’

    Josh Hokit has stepped in to defend the UFC over accusations that the Tale of the Tape videos seen at UFC Perth were generated by artificial intelligence, and his explanation is both straightforward and amusing.

    The videos, which feature fighters holding poses for an extended period of time before fights, drew claims on social media that they were AI-generated. Hokit, who appeared in one of those videos ahead of his upcoming bout at the UFC White House event on June 14, set the record straight on X.

    “It’s not AI. We really have to stand there like idiots for 30 seconds.”

    The UFC has been under sustained criticism for its use of AI in marketing, a trend that accelerated following the start of its $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount. UFC CEO Dana White responded to earlier criticism by telling fans to shut up and watch the fights, while the promotion’s executive producer defended AI use as a tool to amplify content rather than replace it. The Tale of the Tape videos represent a newer format compared to the static images the UFC previously used in its pre-fight fighter breakdowns.

    Hokit faces Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, a matchup that was reportedly put together at the personal request of Donald Trump and Joe Rogan.

  • Josh Hokit Says UFC Officials Try to Suppress His Personality

    Josh Hokit Says UFC Officials Try to Suppress His Personality

    Josh Hokit has become one of the UFC’s most talked-about new personalities in a matter of months, and he believes the sport badly needs more of what he brings.

    Speaking with Chael Sonnen on Smash Cast, Hokit made the case that modern MMA fighters have become too preoccupied with image management at the expense of the entertainment value that made the sport what it is.

    “The sad part is, all these fighters — that’s the thing with the day and age that we live in. Back then, you had wild men. And so you had all these personalities, everyone is going crazy, everyone is more interesting. Now, it’s like these real athletes. They’re really holding onto their image, like, ‘How can I be cool?’ So, Carlos Ulberg, when I see him, it’s like he’s carrying the weight of looking cool and being this cool guy, where now, ‘The Down Vato,’ he just doesn’t care. That’s where I’m from.”

    He also pointed to UFC officials as part of the problem, describing attempts to rein him in on the microphone as counterproductive to the environment that makes the sport compelling.

    “These people take their jobs so serious. It’s like, no wonder the fighters act like this. It’s like, ‘You need to go out there, and say the right answer, and respect your opponent, and be just a professional. And act like you’re not about to get in this cage.’ Look, I’m in underwear, I’ve got no shirt on, and we’re about to fight to the death basically. Why? We’ve got to remember what the sport is. Everybody doesn’t want to accept, you’re fighting in a cage. You have to be pretty stupid.”

    Hokit earned four bonuses in his first three UFC fights, including both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night for his victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. He has since been booked against Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House, and he attributed his rapid rise at least in part to winning over one very specific fan.

    “When I was going to the ambulance after the fight, Mick comes up to me and says, ‘You are now Donald Trump’s new favorite fighter.’”

  • Josh Hokit Fires Back at Paulo Costa Over UFC 327 Bonus

    Josh Hokit Fires Back at Paulo Costa Over UFC 327 Bonus

    Paulo Costa and Josh Hokit turned a bonus dispute into one of the more entertaining social media exchanges in recent MMA memory following UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday.

    Costa made his light heavyweight debut at the event, finishing Azamat Murzakanov with a head kick in the third round. Under normal circumstances, the knockout would have earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Instead, Hokit swept both the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses after his heavyweight showcase against Curtis Blaydes, leaving Costa empty-handed.

    Costa did not take the news quietly. “Hey Josh Hokit you got my bonus motherf—-, I’m gonna f— you up next time you f—— bum,” he posted on X.

    Hokit responded in kind, and things escalated quickly from there. “Fight deez nutz… but of course, I got like 20% body fat but don’t get it twisted my Incredible Hok juice is far more superior than your secret juice,” Hokit wrote.

    Costa pushed further. “Fat ass you owe me $100k bonus,” he continued.

    Hokit fired back. “I’d take you down and suffocate you with this belly and take all your women from you, they prefer a dad bod anyway.”

    Costa then proposed an unconventional solution. “Costa x Hok for real BMF. No weight limit. No boring hugs. Winner takes all.”

    Hokit closed the exchange with four words. “I’ll eat your heart.”

    Hokit’s performance at UFC 327 earned him a spot on the upcoming UFC White House card against Derrick Lewis, a placement reportedly requested by both President Donald Trump and Joe Rogan. Costa, meanwhile, may be positioned for a light heavyweight title shot, particularly with new champion Carlos Ulberg potentially sidelined until 2027 following a knee injury suffered during his title victory.

  • Dana White Announces Lewis vs. Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250

    Dana White Announces Lewis vs. Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250

    Despite the previous announcement that there will be six fights for the UFC Freedom 250 card, a seventh has been added tonight after the UFC 327 performance of Josh Hokit.

    In an announcement posted to social media during the event, UFC CEO and President Dana White announced that Hokit will compete on the UFC Freedom 250 card, taking on Derrick Lewis.

    Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit Added To UFC Freedom 250 At White House

    Hokit competed in just his third UFC bout during UFC 327, going toe-to-toe with Curtis Blaydes. The two put on a bloody heavyweight slugfest, with the two wobbling one another throughout. Hokit landed the more effective strikes and got the win via decision.

    Hokit, a former NFL player, won a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. He then scored first-round finishes of Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman in his first two UFC fights.

    Lewis is 3-2 in his last five. He’ll enter this fight off a loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324.

  • “15 Minutes Of Carnage” – Josh Hokit Bests Curtis Blaydes In War

    “15 Minutes Of Carnage” – Josh Hokit Bests Curtis Blaydes In War

    In one of the greatest heavyweight battles ever seen in the Octagon in what has felt like forever, Curtis Blaydes and Josh Hokit put on an epic, bloody battle that will go down as a Fight of the Year contender.

    Ultimately, Hokit got the judges’ nod to remain undefeated.

    The two did plenty of trading to start the fight, and that played into Hokit’s favor, wobbling Blaydes in the first minute. Blaydes was wobbled but fought his way back into the fight, getting Hokit into his grasp. Blaydes then landed a flurry of shots on Hokit, though it didn’t deter Hokit from taunting Blaydes during the round.

    Blaydes appeared to be gassed in the second round, and it showed with Hokit landing the better shots early. Blaydes attempted to fight back, but Blaydes showed a lack of head movement. Hokit battered Blaydes near the fence in another near-finish; however, Blaydes endured it and gave a flurry right back.

    Josh Hokit Defeats Curtis Blaydes In Fight Of The Year Contender At UFC 327

    Hokit, now 9-0, was competing in just his third UFC fight. The former NFL player, a Dana White’s Contender Series alum, scored first-round finishes of Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman.

    Blaydes entered this fight off a controversial decision win over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC Baku 10 months ago.

  • Jiri Prochazka Confronts Trash-Talking Prospect After Wild Backstage Rant At UFC 327 Media Day

    Jiri Prochazka Confronts Trash-Talking Prospect After Wild Backstage Rant At UFC 327 Media Day

    Jiri Prochazka found himself in an unexpected confrontation ahead of UFC 327, after Josh Hokit caused a scene during media day in Miami.

    Hokit is set to face Curtis Blaydes in the biggest test of his young career, while Prochazka remains locked in on his main event clash against Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title this Saturday at the Kaseya Center.

    The rising heavyweight prospect, who has quickly gained attention for his over-the-top persona, made a loud entrance before even stepping onto the stage.

    His ranting could be heard echoing through the hallway, and as he approached, it became clear his remarks were directed at Prochazka, who had just wrapped up his media obligations.

    Jiri Prochazka Shuts Down Josh Hokit’s Backstage Outburst On UFC 327 Media Day

    As Hokit approached, waving a toy lightsaber and hurling insults, Prochazka remained seated and calm. But when the situation edged closer, the UFC former light heavyweight champion stood up and drew a line.

    “Man, stay where you are,” Prochazka said.

    Still in character, Hokit escalated things further with a bizarre threat.

    “I’ll cut you up, homie. And f*cking stitch your head on Alex Pereira’s body.”

    Despite the intensity of the moment, the exchange stopped short of turning physical. “BJP” disengaged quickly, choosing not to feed into the spectacle.

  • “Finish Via Middle Finger” – Fans React To Josh Hokit Manhandling Denzel Freeman, Delivering Pro Wrestling-Style Post-Fight Interview At UFC 324

    “Finish Via Middle Finger” – Fans React To Josh Hokit Manhandling Denzel Freeman, Delivering Pro Wrestling-Style Post-Fight Interview At UFC 324

    Two fights in the Paramount+ era, two last-second, first-round finishes. Josh Hokit is now 2-0 in the UFC after defeating Denzel Freeman during the preliminary card at UFC 324.

    Hokit quickly scored a takedown in about 15 seconds before proceeding to overwhelm Freeman with his freestyle wrestling experience. Hokit poured on the pressure, pitching a shutout in terms of strikes — and even at one point spanking Freeman.

    Freeman was wobbly in the fight’s last minute, clearly drained from Hokit’s pressure. In the closing seconds of the round, Freeman landed a punch and round kick before flipping Freeman off and walking away — as Freeman collapsed to the mat.

    Hokit then delivered a post-fight promo full of rhymes, a stray on Brittney Griner, and a call-out of Waldo-Cortes Acosta (who competes later tonight against Derrick Lewis).

    Josh Hokit Stops Denzel Freeman In Buzzer Beater First-Round Finish At UFC 324

    After scoring a first-round finish of Guilherme Uriel on Dana White’s Contender Series, Hokit had a successful UFC debut at UFC Vegas 111, needing just 56 seconds to put away Max Gimenis.

    Freeman, a former LFA heavyweight champion who has also fought in the PFL, made his UFC debut in November, scoring a decision over Marek Bujlo at UFC Qatar in November.