An in-depth analysis of Josh Hokit's performance against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 highlighted both his strengths and vulnerabilities. While Hokit successfully defeated Blaydes, the analyst noted he absorbed too many strikes and suggested such an approach against fighters like Pereira or Pavlovich would lead to knockout losses. The piece praised Hokit's increasingly heavy hands and effective elbow work in the third round, as well as his strong takedown defense against Blaydes' wrestling attempts, crediting coach Greg Jackson. However, the analyst observed that Hokit's brawling style perfectly aligns with Trump and Dana White's preferences for exciting, bloody fights, suggesting he may be unlikely to change his approach. The upcoming fight against Derrick Lewis at the White House was mentioned as potentially dangerous given Hokit's reckless style.
Josh Hokit's upset victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 on April 11 has drawn detailed scrutiny from analysts, with one breakdown praising certain elements of his performance while raising serious concerns about the durability of his fighting style going forward.
Hokit got the win against Blaydes but did so by absorbing significant punishment along the way. The analysis credited him for increasingly heavy hands and sharp elbow work in the third round, and noted his takedown defense held firm against Blaydes' persistent wrestling — work attributed in large part to the influence of coach Greg Jackson. Still, the volume of strikes Hokit absorbed prompted a clear warning: that level of exposure would likely result in a knockout loss against elite heavyweight strikers.
The concern is well-founded when you look at who sits atop the division. Sergei Pavlovich, ranked third at heavyweight, is a southpaw standing six-foot-three with an 84-inch reach and lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute at 44 percent accuracy. Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, nicknamed Poatan, is even more precise — landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, among the most efficient outputs in the sport. The analyst singled out both men as opponents who would make Hokit pay dearly for reckless exchanges.
Next up for Hokit is a fight against Derrick Lewis at the White House. Lewis, known as The Black Beast, is 41 years old and carries a 29-14-0 record, landing 2.46 significant strikes per minute with a 49 percent accuracy rate. At six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, the eighth-ranked heavyweight remains one of the sport's most dangerous knockout artists.
Why it matters
- Hokit's brawling style creates genuine finish potential but leaves him open to sustained punishment
- A matchup with Lewis pits two high-output strikers against each other, amplifying the danger flagged by analysts
- The review suggests Hokit's crowd-pleasing approach may protect his promotional standing even as it raises long-term competitive questions
Saturday, April 11, 2026
