Josh Hockett made a disturbing and graphic statement during a media day appearance ahead of his fight with Curtis Blaydes. The heavyweight contender described violent imagery involving Blaydes and other ranked fighters, using language about dismemberment and creating a "human centipede" creature. Hockett, who fights under the nickname "The Incredible Hulk," delivered the bizarre speech in front of media members. The unusual comments drew comparisons to other eccentric UFC personalities and raised questions about his mental state or choice of performance-enhancing substances. The incident has generated significant attention on social media ahead of the heavyweight matchup.
Josh Hockett made headlines for all the wrong reasons on April 8, 2026, delivering a graphic and deeply unsettling speech during a media day appearance ahead of his heavyweight bout with Curtis Blaydes.
Hockett, who competes under the nickname "The Incredible Hulk," stood before assembled media and launched into a disturbing monologue that included violent imagery directed at Blaydes and other ranked fighters. His remarks invoked language around dismemberment and referenced the concept of a "human centipede," a combination that left those in attendance visibly taken aback. The comments spread rapidly across social media platforms, generating considerable attention in the lead-up to the fight.
Curtis Blaydes, the target of Hockett's bizarre address, enters the bout as the number-four ranked heavyweight in the UFC at 35 years old. The American fighter out of Elevation Fight Team carries a professional record of 19-6 and stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach. Blaydes is one of the most accomplished grapplers in the division, averaging an elite 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, a number that underscores just how dangerous he is once a fight hits the canvas.
The incident drew comparisons to some of the more eccentric personalities in UFC history and prompted widespread speculation about the motivations behind Hockett's delivery, with observers questioning whether it represented a calculated psychological tactic or something more unhinged.
Why it matters
- Hockett's remarks have generated pre-fight attention that overshadows the actual athletic matchup
- Blaydes sits fourth in the heavyweight rankings, meaning a win or loss carries significant divisional weight
- The style contrast between the two fighters already made for an intriguing matchup before the media day controversy added another layer
