Josh Hockit's behavior evolution has drawn criticism for becoming overly performative since his MMA debut at Bellator 300 in October 2023. After his debut, Hockit was described as normal and respectful, thanking coaches, parents, and fans appropriately. However, in 2024 he adopted an exaggerated character, including antics at weigh-ins that work well for short-form content but have become tiresome. An interview with Ariel Helwani in January saw Hockit maintain the "crazy" persona throughout, making it unwatchable. The post suggests Hockit needs to show moderation in his performances, noting that constant gimmickry quickly becomes annoying to audiences.
