Despite defeating Curtis Blaydes, Josh Hokit's defensive issues remain concerning, as he absorbed numerous strikes that could prove disastrous against power punchers like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. However, Hokit demonstrated improved striking power and maintained heavy hands even in the exhausting third round, with effective elbow work showing his developing versatility under Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn's coaching. His wrestling defense was notably strong, easily shutting down Blaydes' takedown attempts. The analyst notes that Hokit's aggressive, crowd-pleasing style aligns perfectly with Dana White and Donald Trump's preferences, but warns this approach could be exploited by Derrick Lewis, though Lewis may prioritize avoiding damage over seeking victory.
