Josh Hokit Slams “Lay and Pray” Title Fights and Vows to Violently Fight Alex Pereira or Ciryl Gane

Josh Hokit has emerged as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising heavyweights in recent times, while his personality and microphone skills have made him polarizing among fans and fighters. Alex Pereira has undoubtedly remained one of Hokit’s biggest targets since UFC Freedom 250.

Hokit’s rise through the heavyweight division gained major momentum with his impressive unanimous decision win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. He followed that performance by defeating veteran Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, and improving his professional record to 10-0.

Glover Teixeira recently discussed Pereira’s future, confirming the former champion plans to remain at heavyweight. He also identified Hokit as a possible opponent, believing Pereira could use the matchup to return toward title contention. Hokit responded by calling for either Gane and the heavyweight title or Pereira and the BMF belt.

Either give me Ciryl for the title or Alex for the BMF. Tired of watching these little crotch sniffers lay & pray & people call them the BMF/P4P. You can’t have those titles & just hold guys down without doing damage. Whoever I fight, the fans will get pure violence with a show.

Josh Hokit via X

Either give me Ciryl for the title or Alex for the BMF. Tired of watching these little crotch sniffers lay & pray & people call them the BMF/P4P. You can't have those titles & just hold guys down without doing damage. Whoever I fight, the fans will get pure violence with a… https://t.co/YFiAx27yWb

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) August 18, 2026

Hokit’s BMF push carries added weight after UFC 326 produced a largely uneventful title fight between Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway. Oliveira won the BMF belt by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the five-round fight 50-45. The result gives Hokit a chance to bring more action to the BMF title picture.

Another major instance connected to Hokit’s comments is Islam Makhachev’s UFC 330 title defense against Ian Garry. The bout was heavily wrestling-focused, with Makhachev using his grappling to secure a unanimous decision and extend his UFC winning streak to 17. Makhachev also remains the top pound-for-pound fighter.

The rivalry between Hokit and Pereira began during the UFC Freedom 250 buildup, when Hokit targeted the former champion at the pre-fight press conference. He mocked Pereira’s “Chama” catchphrase while making a personal remark about his mother, escalating tensions and adding more heat before their respective fights.

Since then, Hokit has remained vocal about wanting a matchup with Pereira, repeatedly targeting the Brazilian as a potential opponent. He believes Pereira entered a dark phase after losing to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250. Hokit also sees the matchup as an opportunity to further elevate his profile within the UFC.

Josh Hokit’s comments suggest he wants a title fight next, leaving two paths toward the heavyweight championship.

He could face Ciryl Gane for the interim title or pursue champion Tom Aspinall, who remains sidelined after his UFC 321 eye injury injury.

Either route would present another major test as the undefeated heavyweight continues his rapid rise in the promotion.

Brazilian heavyweight promises to make an example out of Josh Hokit

Valter Walker has quickly emerged as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising heavyweights. After losing his UFC debut to Lukasz Brzeski in April 2024, he responded with four straight first-round submissions. Those wins came against Junior Tafa, Don’Tale Mayes, Kennedy Nzechukwu, and Louie Sutherland.

Walker continued that run against Thomas Petersen at UFC Abu Dhabi, securing another first-round submission. The 92-second calf-slicer victory gave him five consecutive UFC wins and extended his impressive submission streak.

Josh Hokit’s dominant second-round TKO over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 pushed him into the UFC heavyweight top five. He currently sits at No. 4, while Walker’s recent comments have added another potential rivalry to Hokit’s rise.

Walker has publicly targeted Hokit after their verbal back-and-forth intensified in recent weeks.

Josh Hokit, I’m going to make sure I break his leg. After what he said about my country, even if he raps when I take his leg, I’m not gonna let go.

Valter Walker via Home Of Fight

😤 💥Valter Walker minced no words after Josh Hokit took aim at his country, and promised to make him an example.

“This f*cker Josh Hokit, I’m going to make sure I break his leg.

After what he said about my country, even if he raps when I take his leg, I’m not gonna let go.”… pic.twitter.com/R5wtJsfaCW

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 1, 2026

Valter Walker’s submission game contrasts with the polarizing heavyweight’s wrestling- and striking-based approach. Josh Hokit was a two-time NCAA Division II All-American, while the Brazilian star has won five straight UFC fights by submission. That makes their styles clearly different if the UFC eventually books the matchup.

Also Read:

• Dana White’s Comments About Ian Garry After UFC 330 Earn Rare Praise From MMA Insider
• Arman Tsarukyan Questions the Reason Behind Charles Oliveira’s Sudden Withdrawal From UFC 331