Josh Hockett has renewed his call for a fight with Alex Pereira while stating he is prepared to defeat any opponent regardless of weight class. Hockett declared that this is his incredible division and that anyone can enter what he calls the real BMF division. He even extended his challenge beyond Pereira, saying that if Ilia Topuria thinks he can beat him, they can fight as well. The post includes poll options about whether this is typical behavior from Hockett or if his hype will soon be extinguished. Details are limited regarding any official response or likelihood of these matchups materializing.
Josh Hockett has turned up the volume on his callout of light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, doubling down on his desire for that fight while making clear he welcomes any challenger — or any opponent — regardless of weight class.
Hockett framed his challenge in territorial terms, declaring the division his own and referring to it as the real BMF division, open to all comers. He also widened his target list, extending an invitation to lightweight contender Ilia Topuria should Topuria believe he can get the job done.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning light heavyweight champion and carries a 13-4 record. The Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and has been among the most active finishers in the UFC, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 62 percent accuracy. He fights out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness in an orthodox stance.
Topuria, 29, currently sits at number two in the lightweight division and holds the number one pound-for-pound ranking with a 17-1 record. The Spain-based Georgian, who fights out of Climent Club, stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Hockett is calling out a reigning champion and a top pound-for-pound fighter simultaneously, raising his profile regardless of whether either fight materializes.
- No official response from Pereira or Topuria has been reported, and there is no indication the UFC has engaged with these matchup requests.
- The cross-divisional nature of the Topuria callout adds an unusual wrinkle, given the significant size difference between lightweight and light heavyweight.
