Ilia Topuria became involved in an incident during the UFC 328 press conference when Josh Hokit was being removed from the event. According to the post, Topuria appeared to defend or support Alex Pereira during the situation that led to Hokit's ejection. The post references a "brotherly handshake of double champions," suggesting a moment of solidarity between the two title holders. Details about the exact nature of Topuria's intervention and what precipitated Hokit's removal are limited in the original post. The incident appears to have contributed to the premature ending of the press conference.
A tense moment unfolded at the UFC 328 pre-fight press conference on May 8, 2026, when Ilia Topuria stepped in as Josh Hokit was being removed from the event, contributing to an early end to the proceedings.
Topuria, ranked second in the lightweight division and the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world, carries a 17-1 record and fights out of Climent Club representing Spain. 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 threatening with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. According to reports of the incident, Topuria appeared to intervene in support of Alex Pereira during the situation that led to Hokit's ejection, with the moment described as a brotherly handshake between two champions.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, is a 38-year-old Brazilian fighting out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness who holds a 13-4 record. Standing six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, Pereira is one of the most physically imposing and statistically efficient strikers on the roster, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 62 percent accuracy.
Hokit, an undefeated prospect at 5-0, is 28 years old. The specific circumstances that triggered his removal from the press conference remain unclear from available information.
Why it matters
- Topuria and Pereira are two of the UFC's most prominent titleholders, and any public altercation involving them draws significant attention
- The early conclusion of the press conference ahead of UFC 328 on May 9 leaves questions about the build-up to the card unanswered
- The nature of Topuria's intervention and what provoked Hokit's ejection have not been fully detailed in initial reports
Saturday, May 9, 2026
