Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit Steal Spotlight with Entertaining Ceremonial Weigh In Before UFC Freedom 250

Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit turned up the antics at the ceremonial weigh-ins to give fans a memorable final face-off ahead of UFC Freedom 250.

Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit Steal Spotlight with Entertaining Ceremonial Weigh In Before UFC Freedom 250

Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit created a memorable final face-off [via YouTube]

Some fans have dubbed the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 card fight between Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit as the most intriguing matchup. It was the last fight to be added to the historic event, but the anticipation for this matchup is surging. As such, the competitors took it upon themselves to ensure that their final face-off was memorable.

Lewis, who was the first to step onto the prop scales, did his signature celebration which he usually reserves for fights. The ‘Black Beast’ took off his UFC Freedom 250 pants, and threw them into the raucous crowd, stripping down to his fight shorts before stepping onto the scales for the ceremonial weigh-in. This celebration has become something of a calling card for the UFC veteran over the years.

The first time he did it, the 41-year-old ended up birthing his infamous catchphrase after Joe Rogan asked Lewis why he took off his pants. After having leaned into this gimmick in the past, the ‘Black Beast’ has kept the meme alive, even at a venue as historic and prestigious as the White House.

However, his opponent Josh Hokit is not one to be outdone. The former NFL star played the aggressor during this face-off against Lewis. Once again donning his trademark USA headband, the undefeated heavyweight got in his opponent’s face before they were separated by security. However, Hokit threatened Lewis even as security dragged them away from each other.

Don’t give up. Don’t take my glory away from me. I’ll find you after and we’ll fight in the parking lot

Josh Hokit via UFC Freedom 250 ceremonial weigh-ins

This threat is of course in reference to former title challenger’s lackluster performance against Waldo Cortes-Acosta. The Black Beast had an awful showing in his last fight during the inaugural Paramount card. At UFC 324, the UFC’s most prolific KO artist flopped to the octagon floor twice before losing by TKO in the second round.

Nonetheless, Hokit’s antics did not stop with him taunting Lewis during their faceoff. The 9-0 heavyweight tried to wrestle away the mic from UFC commentator Joe Rogan. However, the veteran commentator thwarted Hokit’s attempt, keeping a firm grip on the mic.

‘The Incredible Hok’ has been doing his best to entertain fans throughout the buildup to this fight. During the Newark presser, he went after double champion Alex Pereira and created such a ruckus that not only got him escorted out, but lightweight champion Ilia Topuria also stepped in to defend Poatan. Even so, what Hokit did at the actual weigh-ins may have outdone all of the earlier commotion.

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Josh Hokit throws up on himself at UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins

Josh Hokit’s threat to Derrick Lewis at the ceremonial weigh-in was merely a continuation of his theatrics for promoting their upcoming UFC Freedom 250 fight. Moreover, he seemed to be more subdued in his actions. Less than 24 hours before his final face-off against Lewis, the undefeated American was doing something quite unhinged on the scales during the official weigh-ins.

Josh Hokit
Josh Hokit at the UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins [via Athlon Sports]

As he entered the room, the 28-year-old appeared unsteady on his feet before seeming to pretend to throw up. He let a sickly-looking liquid dribble from his mouth as he stepped on the scales to weigh in for his upcoming fight. The stunt drew plenty of reactions, but Hokit was unfazed. The undefeated American quickly dismissed any concerns and turned the moment into another piece of theatre.

So what? Maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn’t be? I’ve got a giant man who wants to knock me out. He has the most knockouts in UFC history.

Josh Hokit at the UFC Freedom 250 official weigh-ins

Hokit ended up weighing in at 231lbs for this upcoming fight. He will give up a significant amount of to his opponent, Derrick Lewis who weighed in at the heavyweight limit of 265lbs. However, this is not something entirely out of the ordinary for the 28-year-old. He was outweighed significantly in his previous fight by Curtis Blaydes, who weighed in at 261lbs for their UFC 327 war.

Despite the apparent physical disadvantage, Josh Hokit has been backed by many including undisputed heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall to win at the White House this Sunday. A win will help improve the former football player’s UFC record to 4-0 and bring him that much closer to a title shot in a struggling heavyweight division desperate for new stars.

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