Josh Hokit
The Incredible Hok
USA
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, that being a wild, reckless brawl. Both men seemingly had countless chances to put the other way 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.
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, that being a wild, reckless brawl. Both men seemingly had countless chances to put the other way 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.
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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.
Instant win in UFC debut
Hokit defeated Max Gimenis via TKO (punches) at 0:56 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Hokit earned his UFC opportunity with a second-round knockout win on Dana White's Contender Series in August. He made his official company debut here as the biggest favorite on the card at -430 and rolled. Hokit is known for his wrestling and pace. In this fight, it was his massive power that immediately got Gimenis out of there and would go on to earn him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. All it took was two huge knockdowns and a flurry of unanswered shots. A true character who is excellent on the mic, Hokit spent his post-fight interview calling out Valter Walker. Sounds like a fun one to us.
Hokit earned his UFC opportunity with a second-round knockout win on Dana White's Contender Series in August. He made his official company debut here as the biggest favorite on the card at -430 and rolled. Hokit is known for his wrestling and pace. In this fight, it was his massive power that immediately got Gimenis out of there and would go on to earn him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. All it took was two huge knockdowns and a flurry of unanswered shots. A true character who is excellent on the mic, Hokit spent his post-fight interview calling out Valter Walker. Sounds like a fun one to us.
UFC debut scheduled
Hokit will fight Max Gimenis at UFC Vegas 110 on Nov. 6, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Hokit will enter his UFC debut with plenty of momentum on his side, boasting a perfect 6-0 record as a professional fighter. He'll be putting his win streak on the line against a fellow debutant whose lone pro loss came back in March 2023.
Hokit will enter his UFC debut with plenty of momentum on his side, boasting a perfect 6-0 record as a professional fighter. He'll be putting his win streak on the line against a fellow debutant whose lone pro loss came back in March 2023.