Ilia Topuria stepped in to support Alex Pereira during a press conference incident that resulted in Josh Hokit being removed from the event. The post indicates this occurred after some form of disruption or confrontation involving Hokit. Specific details about what Topuria said or did to intervene were not provided in the brief post. The incident led to Hokit's ejection from the press conference venue. This appears to be related to the disruptive behavior mentioned in other coverage of the UFC 328 promotional events.
A press conference ahead of UFC 328 turned disorderly on May 8 when Josh Hokit was removed from the event following a disruption, with lightweight contender Ilia Topuria stepping in to back light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira during the incident.
Topuria, ranked second in the lightweight division and the current pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world, carries a 17-1 record and represents Spain out of Climent Club. The 29-year-old stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and has built a reputation as one of the sport's most dangerous finishers, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, brings a 13-4 record into UFC 328 and is widely regarded as one of the most powerful strikers in MMA. The 38-year-old Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and leads the sport's champions in striking output, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 62 percent accuracy. He trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness.
Hokit, an undefeated prospect at 5-0, is 28 years old and was present at the promotional event before his removal. Specific details about the nature of his disruption were not disclosed, though his ejection followed what has been described in broader UFC 328 pre-fight coverage as disruptive behavior.
Why it matters
- Topuria publicly aligning with Pereira adds an inter-divisional dimension to the UFC 328 promotional week
- Hokit's removal from a high-profile press conference raises questions about his standing heading into the event
- The incident drew attention away from the card's scheduled matchups on the eve of UFC 328
Saturday, May 9, 2026
