Despite defeating Curtis Blaydes, Josh Hokit's aggressive, brawling style that saw him absorb many strikes raises concerns about future matchups with power punchers like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. The analyst notes that while Hokit demonstrated improved striking power that lasted into the third round and showed strong takedown defense, his reckless approach matches the personalities of Trump and Dana White but could lead to devastating knockout losses. The post suggests Hokit is improving under coaches Jackson-Wink, showing versatility with elbow strikes and heavier punches. A potential fight with Derrick Lewis is mentioned, though there are doubts Lewis would come with winning intent rather than just collecting a paycheck while avoiding damage.
Josh Hokit picked up a notable heavyweight win over Curtis Blaydes, but at least one analyst believes the way he fought that night raises serious questions about his ceiling at the top of the division.
The assessment centers on Hokit's aggressive, brawling style. He absorbed significant punishment throughout the contest even as he demonstrated improved striking power that carried into the third round, and his takedown defense held firm. Training under Jackson-Wink has apparently expanded his arsenal, with elbow strikes and heavier punches becoming more prominent tools. Still, the concern is that a reckless offensive approach leaves him dangerously exposed against the kind of fighters who make their living ending nights early.
The names raised as potential dangers are instructive. Sergei Pavlovich, ranked third in the heavyweight division at 34 years old, lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute and carries a 20-3 record built largely on his finishing power. A matchup with Pavlovich and his 84-inch reach, the longest of any fighter mentioned here, would put Hokit's chin under immediate scrutiny. Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who holds a 13-4 record at 38, lands at a remarkable 5.16 significant strikes per minute with 62 percent accuracy, numbers that represent a finishing threat even for a natural heavyweight. Neither man invites a firefight against an opponent with defensive holes.
A potential booking against Derrick Lewis is also floated in the analysis. Lewis, 41, carries a 29-14 record and ranks eighth in the heavyweight division, but the analyst expresses doubt that Lewis would approach the fight with full competitive intent rather than simply collecting a paycheck while limiting his own exposure to damage.
Why it matters
- Hokit's win over Blaydes elevates his heavyweight profile, but his style invites punishment from elite power punchers
- Pavlovich at rank three and Pereira as champion represent worst-case opponents for a brawler with defensive gaps
- A Lewis matchup offers name value but carries questions about competitive stakes given Lewis's current trajectory
