UFC Legends Claim Josh Hokit Was Playing Around with ‘Failed’ Armbar Attempt

Two UFC legends believe Josh Hokit intentionally extended his UFC Freedom 250 fight with Derrick Lewis despite a chance to finish it early.

UFC Legends Claim Josh Hokit Was Playing Around with ‘Failed’ Armbar Attempt

Josh Hokit's fight against Derrick Lewis gets analyzed by 2 UFC legends [via Yahoo Sports]

Josh Hokit extended his MMA record to 10-0 at UFC Freedom 250 by handily defeating Derrick Lewis in the second round. The matchup was largely uncompetitive with Lewis clearly having lost a step athletically at the ripe age of 41. That said, UFC legends Demetrious Johnson and Israel Adesanya believe the undefeated heavyweight could have ended the fight earlier if he wanted to.

Hokit started off the first round by working Lewis from the outside, peppering him with kicks and long strikes. ‘The Incredible Hok’ gained the upper hand on the former title challenger after taking down and controlling him on the ground. Towards the end of the round, the former NFL star got the ‘Black Beast’ in an armbar and seemed close to finishing it. However, his opponent managed to survive.

Later, on Mighty Mouse’s YouTube channel, he and Adesanya broke down the events of the UFC Freedom 250 card. As they got to the fight between Hokit and Lewis, the two began to discuss how the undefeated heavyweight could have ended the fight with the armbar in the first round. The former flyweight champion then alleged that the 28-year-old was playing with his prey in the octagon.

I think, when he did that armbar against Derrick Lewis, I think he was just playing.

Demetrious Johnson via YouTube

Johnson immediately found his co-host agreeing with him as the ‘Last Stylebender’ confessed that he also knew from the beginning that Josh Hokit was ‘playing.’

He sold it, I knew it! From the beginning, I was like, ‘He can finish this,’ and he starts screaming at the last 4 seconds and I was like, ‘Okay, he wants this to go to the second round.’ I knew he was playing, cause it [the arm] was fully extended. Even I know how to finish an armbar.

Israel Adesanya via Demetrious Johnson’s YT Channel

Many MMA fans on the internet have clowned the Incredible Hok for not being able to finish an armbar. However, it appears that the undefeated fighter was simply trying to extend the fight if the abovementioned UFC legends are to be believed.

Prior to the fight, the heavyweights had done their best to entertain the crowd at the weigh-ins with their antics. That said, Josh Hokit himself did clarify the reason why he wasn’t able to end the fight in the first round.

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Josh Hokit reveals why he didn’t finish the Derrick Lewis fight in the first round

Derrick Lewis is a bona fide UFC veteran and legend at this point in his career. The Black Beast has competed in over 30 fights, and holds the record for the most knockouts as well. As such, the American heavyweight is quite beloved among UFC fans. In fact, US President Donald Trump even admitted to Lewis being his favorite fighter.

Donald Trump, Josh Hokit
Donald Trump and Josh Hokit at UFC Freedom 250 [via Cronkite News]

After being clowned for his inability to finish the armbar, Josh Hokit revealed that he did not want to injure Trump’s favorite fighter in front of him. The former NFL star posted this on X, seeming to confirm the notion that his not submitting the ‘Black Beast’ was intentional. The American also said that he was not chasing a submission finish over Lewis in the first place.

Guys… Trump likes Derrick Lewis so I didn’t want to break his arm in front of him… I wanted a TKO anyways.

Josh Hokit via X

Whether this reasoning is true or just a part of his theatrics, the 28-year-old clearly admires the POTUS. This was clear when he went over to Trump and placed a chain around his neck. That moment was quickly overshadowed by his Michelle Obama comment, which drew a sharp response from Dana White. The UFC CEO said he was “completely against” such remarks about people’s families.

The undefeated heavyweight’s comments have even drawn reactions and backlash from voices outside MMA. But it cannot be denied that he generated a massive talking point amidst a card that saw his rivals, Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira suffer shocking losses. All in all, Josh Hokit has continued his divisive rise to stardom with this win over Derrick Lewis and subsequent theatrics.

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