“Matchups Have Been Favorable” – UFC Superstar Alex Pereira Gets Called ‘Overrated’ by Josh Hokit

Polarizing heavyweight Josh Hokit plants the seeds for a potential fight against Alex Pereira by diminishing the Brazilian's skillset.

“Matchups Have Been Favorable” – UFC Superstar Alex Pereira Gets Called ‘Overrated’ by Josh Hokit

Josh Hokit once again takes aim at Alex Pereira (via Bleacher Report, MMA Fighting)

Josh Hokit has become one of the most polarizing fighters on the UFC roster today. The heavyweight contender is well known for his heated rants and microphone skills, which have often landed him in controversy. One of Hokit’s most frequent targets has been former two-division champion Alex Pereira. Hokit has now once again taken aim at the Brazilian superstar, questioning his overall skill level.

Pereira entered the UFC as a two-division GLORY Kickboxing champion and quickly rose into title contention. He captured the middleweight belt at UFC 281 by knocking out Israel Adesanya. The Brazilian star later became a two-division UFC champion with a knockout win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295. However, Ciryl Gane stopped his pursuit of a third title with a knockout victory at UFC Freedom 250.

Hokit, meanwhile, saw his profile rise significantly after defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. That victory earned him a high-profile matchup against Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250. The Fresno native delivered an exceptional performance and secured a knockout. Now, the controversial contender is pushing for a fight with Pereira, believing he can prove the Brazilian is easier to beat than many expect.

I don’t think Pereira’s career is what everyone says it is… I feel like all of his matchups have been favorable. He hasn’t faced anybody with my skill set or anyone with a wrestling pedigree. I want to prove that it’s not real. I feel like I have the skill set to prove that… When you become a legend, a lot of it has to do with timing. He did come into the sport at a really good time.

Josh Hokit via The Ariel Helwani Show

Hokit’s comments are surprising given Pereira’s accomplishments in the UFC. At UFC Freedom 250, the Brazilian attempted to win a title in a third weight class. UFC CEO Dana White had suggested a victory would strengthen Pereira’s standing among the sport’s all-time greats. ‘Poatan’ also remains one of MMA’s most dangerous strikers, with elite knockout power and championships across multiple divisions.

Hokit first took public shots at Pereira during the inaugural Freedom 250 press conference. While Pereira largely remained quiet throughout the heavyweight’s insults, former champion Ilia Topuria became involved in the exchange. Topuria threw a bottle toward Hokit, sparking a heated war of words between the two fighters. Following the altercation, Pereira stated that he believed Hokit was troubled in the mind.

Josh Hokit’s latest comments appear aimed at building momentum toward a future fight with the Brazilian superstar. However, it is also important to note that Alex Pereira has made it clear that he intends to remain at heavyweight and pursue new opportunities in the division. With both men continuing to discuss each other, a matchup between the rivals could eventually materialize.

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Josh Hokit believes UFC brass doesn’t mind his polarizing trash talk

Josh Hokit’s polarizing persona has often placed him at the center of controversy. The heavyweight contender drew criticism at UFC Freedom 250 after making demeaning comments aimed at former First Lady Michelle Obama. Several figures from the MMA world condemned the remarks. UFC legend Daniel Cormier was also among those who publicly called out the comments.

Josh Hokit
Josh Hokit (via X)

CEO Dana White has long positioned himself as a strong supporter of free speech within the promotion. Throughout the years, he has consistently defended fighters’ rights to express their opinions, even when those views generated controversy. Based on those principles, Hokit believes the UFC did not have an issue with the remarks he made after his UFC Freedom 250 victory.

They would also message me if they really felt a certain way. At the end of the day, all the other people weren’t there when I was down. They weren’t there when I was broken. I’m here to make a splash, and I’m here to back up my words as well. If anybody feels some type of way, they know where to find me. That’s why I respect them so much… They can always feel some type of way. I respect their opinions, but we do have freedom of speech, so it is what it is. I don’t like what other people say, but I’ve got to deal with it.

Josh Hokit via The Ariel Helwani Show

However, White has not completely shared Hokit’s view regarding the controversy. While supporting free speech, the UFC head honcho has criticized the heavyweight’s remarks and argued that falsely speaking about another person is not the right approach. As a result, Josh Hokit’s remarks continue to remain a divisive topic within the sport.

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