Josh Hokit delivered an unusual speech during UFC 327 media day, making graphic threats about defeating Curtis Blaydes and other opponents. Hokit claimed he would defeat Blaydes and create a grotesque "human centipede" out of top-ranked fighters to parade around his yard. His opponent Carlos Ulberg appeared unbothered by the outburst, calmly responding to Hokit's provocations during their face-off. The bizarre comments have drawn comparisons to previous eccentric fighters. Hokit's pre-fight antics appear designed to generate attention ahead of his upcoming bout.
Josh Hokit turned heads at UFC 327 media day on April 8 with a rambling, graphic speech that included a threat to defeat Curtis Blaydes and chain together a collection of top-ranked fighters into what he described as a "human centipede" to parade around his yard. His light heavyweight opponent Carlos Ulberg stood nearby and appeared entirely unmoved, responding to Hokit's provocations with calm composure during their face-off. The outburst has drawn comparisons to some of the more eccentric pre-fight performances in recent MMA history.
Ulberg, 35, enters UFC 327 as one of the division's most dangerous strikers. The New Zealand-born City Kickboxing product carries a 15-1 record and sits ranked third in the light heavyweight division. At six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he lands 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, numbers that place him among the busiest and most efficient forwards in the weight class.
Curtis Blaydes, whom Hokit specifically called out in his remarks, competes at heavyweight rather than light heavyweight. The 35-year-old American carries a 19-6 record and ranks fourth in his division. Known primarily for his wrestling, Blaydes averages 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most prolific grappling threats in the sport.
Why it matters
- Ulberg is ranked third at light heavyweight and a win at UFC 327 could position him as a title contender against champion Alex Pereira
- Pereira, who holds a 13-4 record and connects on 62 percent of his significant strikes, represents the top of a division Ulberg is actively climbing
- Hokit's theatrical media day behavior appears aimed at generating attention, but Ulberg's measured response suggests he is treating the bout as business as usual
- Blaydes competes in a separate division, making Hokit's specific callout of him an unusual detail in an already unusual performance
Saturday, April 11, 2026
