Josh Hokit’s ‘Gimmick’ at UFC 327 Gets Dustin Poirier’s Approval: “You Become a Star”

Talking big and backing it up is a recipe for success as Josh Hokit follows in the footsteps of Chael Sonnen and Conor McGregor.

Josh Hokit’s ‘Gimmick’ at UFC 327 Gets Dustin Poirier’s Approval: “You Become a Star”

Dustin Poirier praises Josh Hokit (Image via MMA Mania/X)

In Short
  • Josh Hokit received approval from Dustin Poirier for his controversial antics at UFC 327.
  • Hokit won his fight against Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision, boosting his star power in the heavyweight division.
  • Dana White acknowledged Hokit's performance and impact, despite disliking his gimmick.

Josh Hokit and his antics at the UFC 327 fight week remained controversial to say the least. The MMA community didn’t like his ‘gimmick’ of becoming a brand new character, dishing out disses, and getting under the skin of other fighters. Nevertheless, it has paid as UFC legend Dustin Poirier approved the antics of the rising heavyweight star.

The heavyweight division has come under much scrutiny due to the lack of exciting fights or stars like the 2000s and 2010s. At that time, heavyweight division was really crucial to the promotion. Nowadays, stars from lighter weight classes excite the fan base much more than the heavyweights.

The saga of Jon Jones holding the UFC heavyweight title saw a period inactivity, and the activity hasn’t gone up since Tom Aspinall was promoted as the undisputed champion. Moreover, there isn’t a single star in the heavyweight division bringing excitement until Josh Hokit’s antics took over at UFC 327.

After winning his first two UFC fights, the promotion gave him the toughest challenge of his career so far. He fought former interim title challenger and veteran Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. Some felt it was a big step for the rising heavyweight, but he won the fight via unanimous decision.

Hokit has become a bigger star as a result, and now finds himself inserted into a bout against Derrick Lewis at the UFC White House event. The trash-talks and backing them up at fight night will always be crucial step for a fighter to rise in the company. This is why Dustin Poirier praised Hokit despite the cringe nature of his gimmick according to fans.

You’ve seen it in Conor, Sean O’Malley, Chael Sonnen when guys talk the talk and walk the walk and Josh Hooker did it this week. He talked the big game and he went out there and put on one of the best heavyweight fights we’ve seen. You become a star.

Dustin Poirier via UFC YT Channel

Considering the stale state of the heavyweight division, Hokit can become a major contender in the 265-pound division. After all, trash-talks have worked for fighters like Chael Sonnen and Colby Covington in the past. If he keeps winning his next couple of fights, he will likely enter the title picture. Improvements and dedication to the craft will remain key for the California native moving forward.

Dana White impressed by Josh Hokit despite not liking gimmick work

UFC CEO Dana White is always on the lookout for rising stars to takeover. In his time as the promotion’s leading man, he saw the rise of fighters like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones, and others rise from prospects to superstars.

Dana White praises Josh Hokit, but does not like antics
Dana White praises Josh Hokit (Image via Instagram/Fox News)

Fast forward to 2026, Josh Hokit with his vibrant personality and fighting style may be the next best thing to come out of the heavyweight division. During the pre-fight presser for UFC 327, Hokit took over the event with his carefully crafted disses. After winning at UFC 327, reporters asked the UFC CEO about Hokit and his performance. Dana White gave a detailed answer.

I’m one of them [that doesn’t like his character]. He walked the talk tonight. When people come out and say stupid shit and have sort of a schtick, it’s not my thing. But nothing but respect for both of those men tonight. That fight was unbelievable. You won’t hear a word out of me from here on out about him. Like I said, he walked the talk.

Dana White via UFC 327 post-fight presser

Josh Hokit ended up receiving a $100K Fight of the Night bonus as well as $100K performance bonus to finish his night. It is extremely rare for the UFC to award two bonuses to a fighter, but Hokit’s impact speaks louder than his words. With a new star in the heavyweight division, there is hope in the MMA community that the division will find new life.

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