Josh Hokit Targets ‘Mr Pink Eye’ Tom Aspinall for Turning to ‘Bad Guy’ Gimmick for UFC Return

Polarizing heavyweight contender Josh Hokit questions Tom Aspinall's decision to change demeanor after criticism from MMA community.

Josh Hokit Targets ‘Mr Pink Eye’ Tom Aspinall for Turning to ‘Bad Guy’ Gimmick for UFC Return

Josh Hokit targets Tom Aspinall (via MMA Mania)

Josh Hokit has built a significant reputation within the UFC in a remarkably short time. The heavyweight contender’s relentless trash talk and his ‘Incredible Hok’ persona have helped establish him as a fan favorite. Hokit has never hesitated to call out anyone on the UFC roster. However, the polarizing heavyweight has now shifted his attention toward UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Aspinall was elevated from interim champion to undisputed heavyweight champion after Jon Jones departed the UFC in June 2025. The British champion entered UFC 321 prepared to defend his title against Ciryl Gane. However, the bout ended in a no-contest after a double eye poke in the first round from Gane left Aspinall suffering blurred vision, forcing an unfortunate end to the championship contest.

After the no-contest, Aspinall received widespread criticism for not continuing despite the accidental eye pokes. Several figures from the MMA community also questioned the champion’s decision. Long known for his respectful and likable personality, the champion has since vowed to embrace a different “bad guy” persona. Hokit quickly responded to that claim, taking aim at the Briton on social media.

Nice try. There can only be one bad guy, Mr. Pink Eye.

Josh Hokit via X

Aspinall initially faced heavy criticism from several prominent figures across the MMA community following the UFC 321 no-contest. Anthony Smith and Chael Sonnen openly criticized the champion for stopping and refusing to continue. Both veterans believed that Aspinall could continue with one eye.

More recently, fellow Englishman and longtime friend Michael Bisping also questioned Aspinall’s decision not to return to the Octagon despite spending months recovering from the eye injury. The criticism from respected MMA voices has continued even as the British champion works toward his eventual return.

Aspinall’s eye injury was also addressed by his new promoter, Eddie Hearn. The British promoter revealed the champion felt alone and depressed after much of the MMA community turned its back on him. Hearn also explained that the criticism had taken a significant emotional toll on Aspinall during his recovery.

Josh Hokit has built a reputation for his polarizing personality and has increasingly targeted Tom Aspinall with repeated verbal shots. Whether the heavyweight champion fully embraces his promised “bad guy” persona and fires back at Hokit remains to be seen as their rivalry continues to gather attention.

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Josh Hokit reveals the advantage he holds due to his polarizing personality

Josh Hokit first brought his larger-than-life personality into the spotlight during UFC 327. The heavyweight contender embraced his ‘Incredible Hok’ persona throughout fight week and the pre-fight press conferences. That outspoken approach quickly became one of his defining traits inside the UFC.

It resurfaced at the inaugural UFC Freedom 250 press conference. Hokit’s relentless trash talk sparked a heated altercation involving Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria. The incident further cemented his reputation as one of the promotion’s most polarizing personalities.

Josh Hokit
Josh Hokit (via X)

However, Hokit’s outspoken persona has also drawn significant criticism in recent months. Following his victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, the Fresno native made demeaning comments about Michelle Obama. The remarks quickly became one of the biggest talking points after the event.

The comments drew criticism from UFC CEO Dana White and several figures across the MMA community. Despite the backlash, the #5-ranked heavyweight contender has remained unfazed. He has maintained that his controversial persona has brought him significant financial benefits.

If anything, I’ve gained more money… I’ll coach a class on this one day, but I got 7 figures in 7 months, just put it like that. By the end of the year, this might be a $3-4 million dollar a year.

Josh Hokit via The Ariel Helwani Show

Despite the criticism, Hokit’s outspoken personality has also earned praise from several UFC veterans. Many believe his approach is the key to building marketability beyond the Octagon.

UFC legend Dustin Poirier has also said Hokit has become a star in a remarkably short period. His rapid rise suggests the heavyweight contender’s polarizing persona continues to play a major role in his growing profile.

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