Josh Hokit has declared war on the polished personas dominating the UFC landscape, insisting fighters today care more about looking good than throwing down. Fresh from his UFC 327 triumph over Curtis Blaydes, ‘The Incredible Hok’ argues that the sport has lost the colourful characters who once set the Octagon alight.
Hokit longs for old-school MMA personalities
Speaking alongside Chael Sonnen on Smash Cast, Hokit lamented a shift in fighter mentality. “Back in the day you had wild men,” he said. “Now everyone’s a real athlete worried about their image, about being ‘cool’. That kills the craziness that made MMA must-see TV.”
The 28-year-old heavyweight, who earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025, sees himself as a throwback to those untamed figures—unafraid to stir the pot and entertain the crowd.
Taking aim at division rivals
Hokit singled out light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg as emblematic of the trend. “Ulberg’s so busy looking cool, he forgets to fight,” Hokit quipped. He contrasted Ulberg’s calculated image with his own unapologetic style: “I don’t care what people think—‘The Down Vato’ lives for the chaos.”
Ulberg made headlines himself that night at UFC 327, knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the event’s final bout. Hokit’s remarks are sure to add fuel to a budding rivalry between two of the organisation’s most outspoken stars.
What’s next for ‘The Incredible Hok’?
Despite standing in the heavyweight top five, some commentators have suggested Hokit could drop to light heavyweight. The American is nevertheless focused on boxing out a title shot at 265 pounds, with Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall on his radar.
With his fusion of unfiltered talk and solid performances—three straight wins since joining the UFC—Hokit is positioning himself as both a contender and a showman in a division craving fresh blood and bold personalities.
As heavyweight landscapes evolve, Josh Hokit’s call for a return to unabashed trash talk could reshape the sport’s promotional game. One thing is certain: the modern UFC image machine just gained one more critic.
FAQ
When did Josh Hokit defeat Curtis Blaydes?
Hokit beat Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026, in Miami’s Kaseya Center.
Why did Hokit criticise Carlos Ulberg?
He believes fighters like Ulberg focus too much on crafting a cool image rather than embracing the raw personalities that once defined MMA.
What are Hokit’s possible next matchups?
Hokit has mentioned potential bouts with Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall at heavyweight, though some pundits suggest a drop to light heavyweight.
How did Hokit reach the UFC ranks?
He secured his spot through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025 and has since racked up three straight wins, including his latest victory over Blaydes.
