Josh Hokit's aggressive approach successfully defeated Curtis Blades but exposed him to numerous strikes that could prove costly against elite opposition. The analyst notes that while Hokit maintains his brawling persona and throws significant power even in the third round, this reckless style could lead to knockout losses against fighters like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. Despite absorbing heavy damage, Hokit demonstrated improved striking variety including effective elbow work and solid takedown defense in the third round. His fighting style perfectly aligns with the preferences of Trump and Dana White, especially with Trump in attendance. The upcoming Derrick Lewis bout poses risks given Hokit's brawling tendencies, though concerns exist that Lewis may prioritize money and avoiding damage over securing victory.
An analyst has raised concerns about Josh Hokit's brawling style, arguing that while it delivered a victory over Curtis Blades, the approach carries serious risks as Hokit faces stiffer heavyweight competition.
Hokit's performance against Blades drew praise for its raw aggression and physicality. He showed improved striking variety, incorporating elbow work into his arsenal, and held firm on takedown defense in the third round. However, the same analysis flagged how freely he absorbs punishment during exchanges, a habit that could prove fatal against the upper tier of the division. The upcoming bout with Derrick Lewis is framed as a genuine danger, given that Hokit's willingness to stand and trade plays directly into Lewis's hands — though the analyst also questions whether Lewis, at 41 years old, will commit to finishing the fight or default to damage control.
Lewis, ranked eighth in the heavyweight division at 29-14, stands six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach and lands 2.46 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy. His knockout power is well documented, and a brawl-heavy opponent like Hokit could give him exactly the type of fight he needs to look dangerous again.
Looking further up the rankings, the analyst singles out Sergei Pavlovich and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira as matchups that could expose Hokit severely. Pavlovich, ranked third at heavyweight with a 20-3 record, fires 4.43 significant strikes per minute from a southpaw stance and carries a reach of 84 inches. Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion at 13-4, leads all fighters in the data with 5.16 significant strikes per minute and connects at a 62 percent accuracy rate, standing six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach.
Why it matters
- Hokit's reckless exchange style gifts elite strikers free looks at a compromised defense
- Lewis at ranked eighth represents an immediate and credible threat given the style matchup
- Pavlovich's volume and Pereira's accuracy represent the ceiling Hokit would need to clear at the top of the division
