Analysis: Hokit's striking improves but reckless style poses risk against elite

Josh Hokit's performance against Curtis Blaydes demonstrated both improvements and concerning tendencies in his striking game. While he can fight more defensively, his established brawling image and aggressive style led him to absorb significant damage, which could prove disastrous against power strikers like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. Despite taking heavy shots, Hokit showed heavier hands and maintained power into the third round, with improved elbow work and easily defended Blaydes' takedown attempts, indicating high-level defensive wrestling from his training with Winkeljohn. His deviant behavior contrasts sharply with his coaches Jackson and Winkeljohn but aligns perfectly with the Trump and Dana White era of the sport. Against Derrick Lewis, Hokit's reckless style could be problematic, though there's concern Lewis may prioritize earning money and avoiding damage over securing a victory.