Josh Hawkit delivered a strange and graphic speech at a media day event, making disturbing threats about his upcoming opponent and other fighters. He claimed he would decapitate Curtis Blaydes and attach his head to Alex Pereira's body, then create a grotesque "human centipede" construction involving fighters ranked third, second, and first, which he would walk on a leash in his yard. The unusual rant drew attention for its bizarre and violent imagery. Observers questioned what substances Hawkit might have taken before the appearance, comparing him to another controversial fighter, Sean Strickland.
