Josh Hokit earns statement win, sets up White House showdown in UFC heavyweight rise
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Josh Hokit earned a unanimous decision over Curtis Blaydes in Miami Saturday night.
- Blaydes sustained a fractured orbital and nose while Hokit reportedly had injuries.
- Hokit will face Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom Fights 250 at the White House grounds.
Josh Hokit continues to impress in MMA, making a strong statement on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The Clovis High grad and former Fresno State standout earned his third UFC victory Saturday night, grinding out a hard-fought unanimous decision over perennial contender Curtis Blaydes in Miami.
“He walked the talk,” UFC’s Dana White told reporters. “Nothing but respect for both men tonight. It’s one thing to have a shtick and act whatever, and it’s another thing to go in a fight; the No. 5 rank guy in the world, who is a bad dude, and do what he did to him tonight.”
Hokit took the punches from Blaydes, but countered with punches that hurt his opponent afterwards.
According to ESPN, Blaydes sustained a fractured orbital and nose.
Hokit had a possible concussion, jaw and hand injuries, however, his management told reporters he came out fine.
Both fighters earned $100,000 for the Fight of the Night.
Over three rounds, he neutralized one of the division’s most dangerous grapplers, repeatedly winning scrambles and controlling the pace against the cage.
By the final horn, there was little doubt, Hokit had arrived as a legitimate heavyweight threat.
Now, the stakes, and the spotlight, get even bigger.
Hokit is set to face knockout artist Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom Fights 250, a historic card scheduled to take place on the grounds of the White House on June 14. Lewis, the UFC’s all-time knockout leader, represents the kind of danger that can end a fight with a single punch.
