Josh Hockett appeared at a UFC media day and delivered an extremely unusual and graphic speech directed at heavyweight Curtis Blaydes. Hockett threatened to decapitate Blaydes and attach his head to Alex Pereira's body, then described creating a grotesque "human centipede" out of top-ranked heavyweights that he would walk on a leash. The bizarre rant referenced himself as "The Incredible Hulk," his fighting nickname. The strange content of the speech raised questions about Hockett's mental state or possible substance influence. No context was provided for what prompted the outburst.
Josh Hockett delivered one of the stranger speeches in recent UFC media day memory on April 8, 2026, directing a graphic and increasingly surreal tirade at heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes.
Hockett, who fights under the nickname "The Incredible Hulk," used his media day appearance to threaten Blaydes with decapitation and described attaching Blaydes's severed head to the body of light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. He then outlined a plan to construct a grotesque "human centipede" from top-ranked heavyweights and parade the creation on a leash. No explanation was offered for what prompted the outburst, and the remarks raised immediate questions about Hockett's state of mind or possible outside influences.
Curtis Blaydes, ranked fourth in the UFC heavyweight division, carries a 19-6-0 record and has long been one of the most feared wrestlers in the weight class. The 35-year-old American, who trains with Elevation Fight Team, averages an elite 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes and holds an 80-inch reach. Blaydes has not publicly responded to the remarks.
Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, was name-dropped in the bizarre imagery despite competing in a separate division. The 38-year-old Brazilian, known as "Poatan," stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and holds a 13-4-0 professional record. He averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, numbers that reflect his standing as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.
Why it matters
- Hockett's outburst drew unusual attention to a fighter who has not been a prominent figure in the heavyweight division's current rankings conversation.
- The targeting of Blaydes, a top-five heavyweight, and Pereira, a champion from another division, suggests an attempt to manufacture visibility through shock value.
- No official UFC response or disciplinary action has been reported in connection with the speech.
