The MMA world is buzzing following Josh Hokit’s provocative comments at the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference, held at the iconic Lincoln Memorial.
Hokit began by apologizing for previous disruptions and extended apologies to the fighters, fans, and UFC President Dana White. He then proceeded to compliment each fighter on stage. However, Ilia Topuria was not receptive to praise from the polarizing heavyweight contender, curtly telling him to be quiet.
Despite an attempt to maintain his “The Incredible Hok” persona, Hokit quickly shifted to making controversial remarks. He took aim at Topuria for supporting Alex Pereira, a frequent target of Hokit’s. He then made a pointed personal attack on Topuria by bringing up his ex-wife during the press conference, stating:
“I think Topuria is so mad because he’s so short he cannot see himself in the bathroom mirror, and he married a stripper from Miami. I’m sorry. ‘The Incredible Hok’ just be getting me in trouble.”
A visibly frustrated Topuria responded by demanding:
“Can somebody just shut this guy up? Just shut up. Shut up.”
Throughout the event, Hokit fluctuated between expressing admiration for both Topuria and Pereira, referring to them as his “favorite fighters,” only to switch to trash-talking. He continually moved in and out of his “The Incredible Hok” character, praising and then disparaging.
Fan Reactions to Josh Hokit’s Comments on Ilia Topuria’s Personal Life
Netizens have weighed in, with some suggesting Hokit’s provocations might push Ilia Topuria to a higher weight class. One commenter joked:
“This man is gonna make Ilia move up to heavyweight lol.”
Another echoed this sentiment, humorously remarking:
“Ilia is moving up to heavyweight tonight.”
One fan commented:
“Ilia saying to himself, im fighting the wrong guy tomorrow.”
At the UFC Freedom 250 official weigh-ins earlier, Josh Hokit appeared to be intoxicated, made weight for his heavyweight bout against Derrick Lewis, and feigned vomiting. He commented:
“So what, maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn’t be? I have a giant black man that wants to knock me out.”
English Translation:
The MMA community has reacted to Josh Hokit’s recent behavior during the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference held at the historic Lincoln Memorial.
Hokit began by apologizing for disrupting the previous presser and offered an apology to all the fighters competing on the June 14 card, the fans in attendance, and even UFC CEO Dana White. Following this, he started praising every fighter on stage. However, Ilia Topuria was not interested in hearing compliments from the polarizing heavyweight contender and quickly asked him to “shut up.”
Hokit attempted to keep his “The Incredible Hok” persona in check, but it proved unsuccessful. He soon began taking shots at the Georgian-Spaniard for showing support to Alex Pereira, one of Hokit’s frequent targets. He also made a significant jab at “El Matador” by bringing up his ex-wife during the presser. The 28-year-old quipped:
“I think Topuria is so mad because he’s so short he cannot see himself in the bathroom mirror, and he married a stripper from Miami. I’m sorry. ‘The Incredible Hok’ just be getting me in trouble.”
Meanwhile, a frustrated Topuria demanded:
“Can somebody just shut this guy up? Just shut up. Shut up.”
Despite launching continuous verbal attacks at both “El Matador” and “Poatan,” Hokit repeatedly stated that he is a fan of both and they are his “favorite fighters.” Throughout the pre-fight presser, he continued to switch in and out of his “The Incredible Hok” persona to praise and then trash-talk.
Fans Reacted to Josh Hokit’s Remarks About Ilia Topuria’s Ex-Wife
One netizen commented, suggesting that Josh Hokit’s antics might compel Ilia Topuria to move up in weight and make the 28-year-old eat his own words.
“This man is gonna make Ilia move up to heavyweight lol.”
Another with similar sentiments added:
“Ilia is moving up to heavyweight tonight.”
A netizen commented:
“Ilia saying to himself, im fighting the wrong guy tomorrow.”
Earlier today, at the UFC Freedom 250 official weigh-ins, Josh Hokit showed up ‘drunk,’ made weight for his heavyweight contest against Derrick Lewis, and started fake throwing up on himself. He said:
“So what, maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn’t be? I have a giant black man that wants to knock me out.”