Josh Hokit Announces New ‘Incredible Hok Curse’ Victim After Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria’s Downfall
Controversial UFC heavyweight contender Josh Hokit takes the credit for Ryan Clark's recent exit from ESPN.
Josh Hokit's curse comes true (via MMA Mania, X)
Josh Hokit quickly rose to prominence through his polarizing personality and relentless confidence. His ‘Incredible Hok’ persona often unsettles opponents and fellow fighters alike. That behavior continued at the UFC Freedom 250 press conference. However, UFC CEO Dana White recently criticized Hokit’s comments about former first lady Michelle Obama during a podcast appearance with Ryan Clark.
After knocking out Derrick Lewis in the second round at UFC Freedom 250, Hokit drew attention with controversial remarks about Michelle Obama. During Dana White’s appearance on The Pivot, Clark questioned why the UFC did not immediately condemn those comments. The UFC head honcho then criticized Hokit’s post-fight behavior and distanced the promotion from the incident.
Clark, a former NFL player, joined ESPN in 2015 and became one of the network’s most recognizable NFL analysts. The 46-year-old regularly appeared on major studio programs before recently parting ways with the broadcaster. Following the news, Hokit jokingly claimed a new ‘Incredible Hok’ curse was responsible for Clark’s departure from ESPN.
FOFO….Podcast with Dana aired a day after he was fired….Every podcast creates a script of questions days in advance of the show. The mere negative thought towards the Incredible Hok brings a curse. Let this be a lesson. #Hokitcurse
Josh Hokit via X
FOFO….Podcast with Dana aired a day after he was fired….Every podcast creates a script of questions days in advance of the show. The mere negative thought towards the Incredible Hok brings a curse. Let this be a lesson. #Hokitcurse https://t.co/Im8ZDB6Iac
— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) July 22, 2026
According to Hokit, the ‘Incredible Hok’ curse applies to anyone who ends up at odds with him. He repeatedly targeted Alex Pereira with insults during the UFC Freedom 250 press conferences and weigh-ins. Pereira later called Hokit’s behavior disrespectful and said he had no interest in entertaining further comments about the controversial heavyweight.
However, Pereira faced Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 for the interim heavyweight title, with a victory making him a three-division UFC champion. Instead, Pereira suffered a second-round knockout loss to the Frenchman, creating another result that Hokit has tied to his hypothetical ‘Incredible Hok’ curse.
Another name linked to the rising star’s hypothetical curse is Ilia Topuria, who defended Pereira from Hokit’s trash talk at the UFC Freedom 250 press conference. Topuria confronted Hokit over his comments and vowed to face him despite their major size difference, believing he could defeat the heavyweight contender.
UFC Freedom 250 also did not end well for Topuria, as he lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje. The American star handed Topuria the first professional loss of his career after a dominant performance. Gaethje battered and brutalized the Spaniard, adding another result to Hokit’s ‘Incredible Hok’ curse.
Dana White has repeatedly criticized Josh Hokit’s demeaning comments and his behavior, especially after the UFC Freedom 250 fiasco. However, the controversial heavyweight contender does not appear ready to change his approach, introducing the ‘Incredible Hok’ curse as a warning to anyone who stands against him.
Former UFC superstar believes in Josh Hokit’s potential for a championship win
Josh Hokit has quickly made his mark in the UFC heavyweight division through a rapid rise and dominant performances. He first gained major attention after defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. Hokit controlled the fight and earned both Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses for his impressive victory.
Hokit’s rapid rise quickly gained recognition across the UFC, with his personality and performances making him one of the heavyweight division’s biggest names. Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier praised Hokit’s unique gimmick after UFC 327 and highlighted how his character helped the heavyweight contender stand out.

Before joining the UFC, Hokit developed his athletic background as an All-American wrestler and former NFL player with the Los Angeles Chargers. His wrestling skills and explosive movement helped him maintain rare speed for a heavyweight. Those traits became a major part of Jorge Masvidal‘s recent analysis of Hokit’s championship credentials.
He can wrestle, he’s all American at a tough weight and he played football at a high level. We’re dealing with a high level athlete that can fight. I can see this guy becoming champion believe it or not. He’s got a gas tank on him.
Jorge Masvidal via FULL SEND MMA
Jorge Masvidal believes Josh Hokit will become UFC heavyweight champion
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) June 9, 2026
Jorge: He can wrestle, he’s all American, he played football at a high level. We’re dealing with a high level athlete that can fight
Eddie: The shots he takes and his vulnerability makes me scared for him pic.twitter.com/HiuLlAhPhQ
Josh Hokit has already started building momentum toward a future title opportunity after his rapid rise in the division.
The contender has expressed his desire to face Tom Aspinall and prove himself against the current champion. His performances have made him one of the division’s fastest-rising names.
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