Josh Hockit's fighting style and recent performance against Curtis Blaydes are analyzed in depth. While Hockit created a brawling persona and successfully defeated Blaydes, his willingness to absorb significant damage could prove problematic against elite strikers like Alex Pereira or Sergei Pavlovich. The commentary notes Hockit is hitting harder with each fight and maintained his power even in the exhausting third round, demonstrating improved striking variety including elbow work under coach Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. Hockit easily defended all of Blaydes' wrestling attempts, indicating high-level grappling defense. His aggressive, bloody fighting style perfectly aligns with the preferences of Dana White and Donald Trump, who attended the event. A potential matchup with Derrick Lewis is mentioned, though concerns exist that Lewis may prioritize earning money and avoiding damage over pursuing victory.
Josh Hockit's victory over Curtis Blaydes has drawn widespread analytical attention, with commentators praising his aggressive approach while flagging the durability questions that style raises at the top of the heavyweight division.
Hockit built a brawler's reputation through the Blaydes fight, absorbing punishment while landing harder as the contest wore on. Notably, his power held through the grueling third round, and he showed expanded striking variety — including effective elbow work developed under coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. His grappling defense also impressed, as he comfortably turned away every wrestling attempt Blaydes offered. That combination of power, technique, and takedown resistance places him firmly in heavyweight contention. His aggressive, bloody style drew visible appreciation from Dana White and Donald Trump, both of whom attended the event.
The concern analysts raise is straightforward: willingness to eat shots works until it doesn't. Sergei Pavlovich, ranked third at heavyweight, lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute from a southpaw stance and carries a 84-inch reach out of Eagles MMA. Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, is an even more alarming benchmark — the Brazilian connects at 5.16 significant strikes per minute with 62 percent accuracy, among the most dangerous output numbers in the sport. Neither man would allow Hockit the same margin of error that Blaydes did.
A matchup with eighth-ranked Derrick Lewis has been floated as a possible next step. The 41-year-old American, standing six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, lands 2.46 significant strikes per minute and carries genuine knockout power. Analysis suggests, however, that Lewis may lean toward protecting his earnings and limiting damage rather than engaging in the kind of firefight Hockit wants.
Why it matters
- Hockit's win over Blaydes validates his heavyweight credentials but exposes a chin-first approach
- Elite strikers Pavlovich and Pereira represent a significant step up in finishing ability
- A Lewis booking would test whether Hockit can force an opponent to brawl on his terms
- Jackson-Winkeljohn coaching suggests continued technical refinement may address current vulnerabilities
