Josh Hokit continues to deeply divide the mixed martial arts community, but veteran fighter and analyst Din Thomas is entirely convinced that the controversial heavyweight would make a "great" champion if he manages to capture UFC gold this weekend.
Known inside the cage by his moniker "The Incredible Hok," the surging contender stands on the brink of making that exact scenario a reality. Hokit is set to headline UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden this Saturday night, stepping into the Octagon for a high-stakes championship showdown that closes out the promotion’s latest landmark numbered event in New York City.
The title fight serves as the anchor of an extraordinarily star-studded pay-per-view card. In the main event, Hokit challenges defending titleholder Ciryl Gane, a stylistic test that has many analysts looking toward a Cain Velasquez-style approach for the challenger. Meanwhile, the evening’s co-main event features the highly anticipated return of legendary former dual-division champion Amanda Nunes, who steps back into the Octagon to challenge Kayla Harrison in a monumental clash.
Despite the sheer magnitude of the card, a significant portion of the MMA fanbase will undoubtedly be rooting against Hokit when he walks out at Madison Square Garden. The heavyweight contender has frequently found himself at the center of controversy, largely driven by the outspoken, polarizing gimmick he has cultivated since bursting onto the major MMA scene.
Yet, despite the backlash and the mixed public reception, Din Thomas insists that having a figure like Hokit holding the heavyweight championship would ultimately be a major positive for the Ultimate Fighting Championship as a global sports entertainment enterprise.
Din Thomas Insists Josh Hokit Would Be a "Great Champion" for the UFC
Hokit’s rapid ascent to a UFC title shot has been nothing short of meteoric, coming after just four appearances inside the promotion’s Octagon. Many observers and industry analysts attribute that unprecedented speed directly to the controversial shtick and promotional savvy that keeps his name constantly trending across social media and sports media headlines.
The challenger’s path to this championship opportunity has featured no shortage of unforgettable and polarizing moments. In his most recent outing, the former football player secured a devastating knockout victory over veteran knockout artist Derrick Lewis. The bout took place on an unusual and high-profile stage, hosted on the South Lawn of the White House during the UFC Freedom 250 event in Washington, D.C. Following that high-profile victory, however, Hokit generated widespread criticism and public backlash for remarks he made regarding Michelle Obama.
The fallout from those comments extended all the way to the top of the promotion. UFC CEO Dana White subsequently admitted publicly that his own personal dislike for Hokit’s approach and out-of-cage behavior genuinely influenced the organization’s matchmaking. White even revealed that he had intentionally assigned Hokit increasingly tougher tests inside the cage as a response to his antics, testing whether the heavyweight could back up his words under extreme pressure.
Despite the friction between the fighter and the promotion’s leadership, Din Thomas believes that Dana White and other UFC executives should ultimately view a potential Hokit title victory as a massive win for the business. Speaking candidly during an episode of the UFC’s Deep Waters podcast, Thomas offered a glowing assessment of the heavyweight challenger, drawing a parallel to one of the biggest superstars in the history of the sport.
"Probably the best we’ve seen in terms of all-around package since Conor McGregor," Thomas said of Hokit on the podcast.
Thomas elaborated on why he believes the package Hokit brings to the table is so rare and valuable in modern mixed martial arts, emphasizing the rare blend of athletic skill, promotional awareness, and activity level.
"In terms of what they’re doing inside [the Octagon] and what they do outside, nobody has been able to do it like Josh Hokit," Thomas continued. "Honestly, he would make a great champion. He’d be out there, he’d sell tickets, he’d be active, he’s young. He’d do everything that we want from a champion."
Thomas is no stranger to offering candid, unfiltered opinions, and his recent commentary has occasionally sparked intense debates within the combat sports community. By comparing Hokit to Conor McGregor—the Irishman who single-handedly shifted the financial and cultural landscape of the sport—and endorsing his championship potential despite the ongoing controversies, Thomas is almost certain to reignite discussions among fans and pundits alike as the countdown to UFC 334 reaches its final hours.
