An analysis highlights Josh Hockett's dramatic transformation from his respectful MMA debut at Bellator 300 in October 2023 to his current controversial promotional persona. After his first fight, Hockett thanked coaches, parents, and fans in a normal, grounded manner. As recently as six months ago, he maintained authenticity, but in 2026 he adopted an exaggerated character. His January interview with Ariel Helwani featured constant over-the-top behavior that became difficult to watch. The commentary suggests Hockett's antics work well for short-form content but become tiresome when sustained throughout entire interviews, with the author noting he needs to find better balance in his promotional approach.
