This past Saturday at UFC 237 in Miami Florida, a realitive new comer, heavyweight Josh Hokit defeated 10 year UFC veteran and former title challenger Curtis Blaydes in a “Fight of the Night” slugfest. Many fans had been hesitant to jump on the Hokit hype train, largely due to his unconventional post-fight interviews. However, after securing two wins in the UFC’s recently lackluster heavyweight division, matchmakers decided to give him a major opportunity against the No. 4 ranked heavyweight in the world, Blaydes.
As this marked Hokit’s first appearance on a numbered card, it also served as many fans’ introduction to the WWE style persona he brings to interviews and press conferences. Reactions were mixed. Some enjoyed the theatrics, while others found it cringeworthy. The fighter from Bakersfield, California, made waves online with viral clips of him dancing in front of Octagon girls and delivering rhyming insults into the microphone at every opportunity. At the same time, he appeared unusually timid during the weigh-in. Every aspect of his character left both fans and fighters scratching their heads, making this bout a must watch.
Ultimately, the only thing that could truly win fans over was how Hokit performed inside the cage, and he did not disappoint. The fight broke multiple divisional records:
- Most significant strikes landed in a heavyweight bout: 351
- Most total strikes attempted in a heavyweight bout: 643
- Most significant strikes attempted in a heavyweight bout: 593
Following the lackluster bout between Johnny Walker and Dominick Reyes, fans were craving action. Hokit and Blaydes delivered in spectacular fashion. The fight was a reminder of what heavyweight MMA can be at its best. Both men pushed the pace relentlessly, trading heavy shots, landing extended combinations, and refusing to back down. Bloodied and battered, they each had moments of control, rocking one another in a nonstop exchange.
The heavyweight division has faced criticism in recent years for its lack of depth and underwhelming fights, but this contest quickly silenced those concerns. Blaydes never gave an inch, while Hokit proved he is far more than a showman. He is a legitimate contender, deserving of a spot in the top five.
Hokit ultimately earned a hard-fought decision victory over Blaydes. During the broadcast, it was announced that he will next face the UFC’s all-time knockout leader, Derek Lewis, at the White House event in June. Given the punishment endured, it’s a remarkably quick turnaround. Still, anticipation is high as fans look forward to seeing them compete on what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cards of the year.
MMA Community Reacts to Hokit’s Instant Classic
As the dust settles on what may be one of the top three heavyweight fights in UFC history, reactions from the MMA community have begun to pour in. Many of the sport’s most respected figures and media members have been highly complimentary.
On the Anik & Florian Podcast, featuring UFC commentator John Anik and former title contender Kenny Florian, Florian remarked, “This is what I mean when I say that one fight can change the entire trajectory of your career. If you fight like that, people are going to remember your name.”
Similarly, on the Weighing In podcast, former lightweight contender Josh Thomson defended Josh Hokit after guest Angelo Bodetti questioned his cardio. Thomson responded, “This guy grew up in a wrestling room. People don’t realize he turned down a scholarship to play football elsewhere and instead walked on at another college so he could wrestle and play football. This guy even played it to the NFL!”
Former UFC top 10 heavyweight and analyst Brendan Schaub also weighed in on The Schaub Show, saying, “Not only was he defending takedowns, but he was also applying pressure on the feet for fifteen straight minutes. I don’t think people realize how special, and how insane that is. You have to be out of your mind to decide to push the pace against Curtis Blaydes for fifteen minutes.”
Blaydes himself acknowledged the war on social media, writing, “Emptied the clip, threw the gun. That SOB is tougher to finish than he looks.” This bout not only elevated Josh Hokit’s profile but also reaffirmed the excitement and potential of the heavyweight division. Performances like this remind fans why they tune in, showcasing heart, durability, and relentless pace at the highest level. Surely many will tune in to see his follow up against Derek Lewis at the UFC white house card.
