Josh Hockett made an unusual and graphic statement during a media day appearance, describing violent imagery involving multiple ranked opponents. The fighter stated he would defeat Curtis Blaydes and metaphorically spoke about creating a "human centipede" from various ranked contenders, including Alex Pereira, which he claimed he would keep on a leash in his yard. Hockett, who goes by the nickname "The Incredible Hulk," delivered the strange monologue that raised eyebrows among media members present. The post's details about his specific claims are limited beyond the bizarre nature of his comments. MMA Junkie captured footage of the unusual media day moment.
Josh Hockett made headlines for all the wrong reasons at a recent media day appearance, delivering a rambling and graphic monologue that left reporters in the room visibly puzzled.
Hockett, who fights under the nickname "The Incredible Hulk," described violent and surreal imagery targeting several ranked opponents. Among his stated targets was Curtis Blaydes, the number-four ranked heavyweight contender. Hockett also referenced light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, invoking the premise of the film "Human Centipede" to describe what he claimed he would do to a string of ranked fighters, stating he would keep the result on a leash in his yard. MMA Junkie captured the moment on video.
Blaydes, 35, fights out of Elevation Fight Team and carries a 19-6 record in the heavyweight division. Standing six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach, "Razor" is one of the more accomplished wrestlers in the division, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning light heavyweight champion representing Teixeira MMA and Fitness out of Brazil. The Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and holds a 13-4 record. He is one of the more prolific strikers at the top of the sport, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a 62 percent accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Hockett appears to be using outlandish promotion to build name recognition ahead of a potential matchup
- Calling out a top-five heavyweight and a divisional champion in the same breath suggests significant ambition, whatever division Hockett himself competes in
- The unusual delivery may generate attention but also risks undermining his credibility with decision-makers in the promotion
