Josh Hokit
The Incredible Hok
USA
Rolls through Derrick Lewis
Hokit defeated Derrick Lewis via TKO (punches) at 4:09 of Round 2 at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday in Washington DC.
ANALYSIS
When was last saw Hokit in mid-April, he was taking a war from Curtis Blaydes in one of the most violent, back-and-forth fights in heavyweight history. He agreed to face Lewis here in a very quick turnaround, likely thinking he could dominant with his athleticism. That proved to be the case. Hokit scored an easy takedown in Round 1, controlling the rest of the frame, nearly earning a stoppage in the dying seconds with an armbar. The dominance continued in Round 2, with Hokit battering an exhausted Lewis on the feet until the finish materialized. Regardless of what you think about Josh and his antics, he's an easy top-five heavyweight already and at age 28 and with just nine professional fights under his belt, his ceiling is considerably more than what we've seen to date.
When was last saw Hokit in mid-April, he was taking a war from Curtis Blaydes in one of the most violent, back-and-forth fights in heavyweight history. He agreed to face Lewis here in a very quick turnaround, likely thinking he could dominant with his athleticism. That proved to be the case. Hokit scored an easy takedown in Round 1, controlling the rest of the frame, nearly earning a stoppage in the dying seconds with an armbar. The dominance continued in Round 2, with Hokit battering an exhausted Lewis on the feet until the finish materialized. Regardless of what you think about Josh and his antics, he's an easy top-five heavyweight already and at age 28 and with just nine professional fights under his belt, his ceiling is considerably more than what we've seen to date.
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Earns spot on White House card
Hokit will take on Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight matchup at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, according to UFC President Dana White.
ANALYSIS
Hokit just came out of an absolute war against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 on Saturday, and it sounds as though as long as he's cleared of any injury, he's more than game for the opportunity set to take place just two months later. While Lewis is coming off a loss, he still owns a top-10 spot in the UFC's heavyweight rankings, so it's a prime opportunity for Hokit to raise his profile even more than he already did Saturday night. Look for Hokit to enter as the betting favorite -- he's the younger man with far superior cardio -- but like any man, he'll need to watch out for the pure power of "The Black Beast."
Hokit just came out of an absolute war against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 on Saturday, and it sounds as though as long as he's cleared of any injury, he's more than game for the opportunity set to take place just two months later. While Lewis is coming off a loss, he still owns a top-10 spot in the UFC's heavyweight rankings, so it's a prime opportunity for Hokit to raise his profile even more than he already did Saturday night. Look for Hokit to enter as the betting favorite -- he's the younger man with far superior cardio -- but like any man, he'll need to watch out for the pure power of "The Black Beast."
Takes war from Curtis Blaydes
Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 327 on Saturday in Miami.
ANALYSIS
While this turned into one of the greatest heavyweight fights in the history of the sport, it's important to remember it likely should have been a cakewalk win for Hokit. He had a massive speed and power edge over Blaydes. He started quickly and seemed all but certain to get his opponent out of there early, but he predictably fought foolishly and engaged Blaydes in the only type of fight he could compete in -- a wild, reckless brawl. Both men seemingly had countless chances to put the other away but couldn't do so. Hokit landed the more notable blows the entire fight, and while he appeared gassed after just a couple minutes, he worked behind his jab to win the fight in Round 3 in what was clearly a tied bout. Hokit catches a lot of flack for his antics, but the physical skills are borderline elite, and he has virtually no MMA miles on his body at age 28. If coach Greg Jackson can get through to Hokit and get him to fight a smarter game plan, the upside here is massive. For now, Hokit will enjoy by far the most financially-lucrative nights of his career, as he'll go home with a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus, as well as a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
While this turned into one of the greatest heavyweight fights in the history of the sport, it's important to remember it likely should have been a cakewalk win for Hokit. He had a massive speed and power edge over Blaydes. He started quickly and seemed all but certain to get his opponent out of there early, but he predictably fought foolishly and engaged Blaydes in the only type of fight he could compete in -- a wild, reckless brawl. Both men seemingly had countless chances to put the other away but couldn't do so. Hokit landed the more notable blows the entire fight, and while he appeared gassed after just a couple minutes, he worked behind his jab to win the fight in Round 3 in what was clearly a tied bout. Hokit catches a lot of flack for his antics, but the physical skills are borderline elite, and he has virtually no MMA miles on his body at age 28. If coach Greg Jackson can get through to Hokit and get him to fight a smarter game plan, the upside here is massive. For now, Hokit will enjoy by far the most financially-lucrative nights of his career, as he'll go home with a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus, as well as a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Scheduled against Blaydes
Hokit is scheduled to compete against fellow heavyweight Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Hokit's opponent difficulty will log a significant step up, considering that Blaydes has been a mainstay in the UFC's heavyweight division for years now. Hokit earned the opportunity after beginning his UFC career 2-0 with TKOs of Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman.
Hokit's opponent difficulty will log a significant step up, considering that Blaydes has been a mainstay in the UFC's heavyweight division for years now. Hokit earned the opportunity after beginning his UFC career 2-0 with TKOs of Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman.
Flawless effort in easy win
Hokit defeated Denzel Freeman via TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1 at UFC 324 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Easy work. Facing a fellow wrestler in Freeman, Hokit pushed the pace the second the opening bell rang, sprinting across the Octagon and landing an immediate takedown. From there, it was smooth sailing. Hokit closed with a 71-0 edge -- that is not a misprint -- in total strikes landed, in addition to racking up 3:47 worth of control time. After the fight, Hokit cut his typical WWE-style promo, calling out Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Waldo is scheduled to fight Derrick Lewis later in the evening. Maybe we'll see that matchup at some point down the line. As for Hokit, he improves to 2-0 with the UFC and will take home a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts here.
Easy work. Facing a fellow wrestler in Freeman, Hokit pushed the pace the second the opening bell rang, sprinting across the Octagon and landing an immediate takedown. From there, it was smooth sailing. Hokit closed with a 71-0 edge -- that is not a misprint -- in total strikes landed, in addition to racking up 3:47 worth of control time. After the fight, Hokit cut his typical WWE-style promo, calling out Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Waldo is scheduled to fight Derrick Lewis later in the evening. Maybe we'll see that matchup at some point down the line. As for Hokit, he improves to 2-0 with the UFC and will take home a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts here.
Fighting Freeman next
Hokit will fight Denzel Freeman at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
The 28-year-old heavyweight needed less than a minute to claim a victory in his UFC debut against Max Gimenis in November, allowing Hokit to remain undefeated seven fights into his pro career. His next test will come in the form of Freeman, who is six years older than Hokit but also holds a 3.5-inch reach advantage.
The 28-year-old heavyweight needed less than a minute to claim a victory in his UFC debut against Max Gimenis in November, allowing Hokit to remain undefeated seven fights into his pro career. His next test will come in the form of Freeman, who is six years older than Hokit but also holds a 3.5-inch reach advantage.