Josh Hokit Added Fire to the Lackluster Heavyweight Division, Says Kamaru Usman

Former champion Kamaru Usman gives credit to undefeated fighter Josh Hokit for reigniting the UFC's heavyweight division.

Josh Hokit Added Fire to the Lackluster Heavyweight Division, Says Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman and Josh Hokit (via MMA Fighting and MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Josh Hokit has gained recognition in the UFC heavyweight division following his performance at UFC 327.
  • Kamaru Usman praised Hokit for revitalizing the heavyweight division, highlighting a competitive landscape of fighters.
  • Hokit is set to face Derrick Lewis at the upcoming White House card, marking a significant opportunity in his career.

UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit is the newest sensation in the promotion’s 265-pound division. The California native first entered the spotlight during last year’s Dana White‘s Contender Series. That was also where fans saw the ‘Incredible Hok’ persona for the first time.

Hokit has won over the hearts of fans ever since with his wacky antics outside the cage and spectacular fights inside it. But it seems he also left a lasting impression on a UFC legend in Kamaru Usman, who had high praise for him.

During the build for UFC 327, Hokit turned up his gimmick to new heights. He showed off new personas and cut promos that could fit right into a WWE segment. But above all else, the American heavyweights, Hokit and Curtis Blaydes went to war for 3 rounds, putting on a true spectacle. According to former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, Hokit has done something incredible.

On his Pound 4 Pound podcast, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ gave Hokit his flowers for turning the volume up during the weekend of UFC 327. Usman told Henry Cejudo that he believed the American rising star had breathed new life into the UFC’s floundering heavyweight division. Moreover, he believes the division is no longer struggling.

Now look at the fire that just slid in the division. You’ve got, don’t forget, don’t forget the champ. You got Tom Aspinall. Let’s not forget Cyril Gane. And let’s not forget, you’ve got Volkov still there. You’ve got Sergei Pavlovic is still there. You’ve got Waldo Cortez-Acosta there. And now you’ve got Josh Hokit there as well. And let’s not forget Chama. Mr. Alex Pereira has slid into the division now. Man, this was a quick turnaround. This is quick. Now you got a legit six, seven heavyweights that can do work.

Kamaru Usman during the Pound 4 Pound Podcast

Kamaru Usman is the latest in the line of UFC stars to be impressed by Hokit. Following UFC 327, Dustin Poirier gave Hokit his seal of approval, calling him a “star.” It’s all down to the effort the undefeated heavyweight put into his promos during his UFC 327 media appearances.

In fact, it isn’t just the stars, the UFC brass also seems to have taken note of the Incredible Hok. He was awarded two performance bonuses for his fight against Curtis Blaydes. However, not everyone seems to be onboard as Paulo Costa expressed his displeasure at being passed over for those bonuses. Nonetheless, the rewards for Hokit reigniting the fight under the heavyweight division didn’t stop there.

Josh Hokit gets a fight against Derrick Lewis on the UFC White House card

Before the White House card was revealed, there were hints that Derrick Lewis would be on it. But there was no sign of Lewis when the card finally dropped. That was until UFC 327 and Josh Hokit happened.

Josh Hokit, Derrick Lewis
Josh Hokit (L), Derrick Lewis (R) [via MSN and The Mac Life]

After Hokit’s fight, Dana White announced that the rising star and Lewis were scheduled for a fight at the White House. It seems that the Californian’s unique brand of self promotion earned him a spur of the moment spot on the White House card.

This will certainly be the biggest showcase of Josh Hokit’s career. He is likely itching to extend his undefeated record into the double figures with an emphatic win over Derrick Lewis. Simultaenously, ‘The Black Beast’ would also be gunning to get back into the win column. Lewis’ last outing was a TKO loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta.

It seems the Incredible Hok has barely any time to revel in his own glory. After all, a quick turnaround against Derrick Lewis is nothing to scoff at. Regardless, Kamaru Usman got it right – the heavyweight division just got much more interesting! Plus, a win at the White House could mean a new title challenger emerges in the form of Josh Hokit.

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