The MMA world has been abuzz following Josh Hokit’s recent controversial statements during the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference, held at the iconic Lincoln Memorial.
Hokit began by extending apologies for prior disruptions and addressed the fighters, fans, and UFC President Dana White. He then proceeded to compliment everyone on stage. However, Ilia Topuria, the featherweight champion, showed no interest in praise from the outspoken heavyweight contender and curtly told him to “shut up.”
Despite attempting to maintain his “The Incredible Hok” persona, Hokit soon began to target Topuria. He expressed disapproval of Topuria’s support for Alex Pereira and made a pointedly personal attack on Topuria by bringing up his ex-wife during the press event. The 28-year-old fighter stated:
“I think Topuria is so mad because he’s so short he cannot see himself in the bathroom mirror, and he married a stripper from Miami. I’m sorry. ‘The Incredible Hok’ just be getting me in trouble.”
A visibly annoyed Topuria responded by demanding:
“Can somebody just shut this guy up? Just shut up. Shut up.”
Throughout the press conference, Hokit fluctuated between his persona and his regular self, simultaneously offering praise and engaging in trash talk, all while claiming to be a fan of both Topuria and Pereira.
Fan Reactions to Hokit’s Remarks on Topuria’s Personal Life
Social media users reacted to Hokit’s personal attacks on Topuria. One comment suggested that Hokit’s provocations might push Topuria to move up to the heavyweight division.
“This man is gonna make Ilia move up to heavyweight lol.”
Another user echoed this sentiment:
“Ilia is moving up to heavyweight tonight.”
One fan humorously commented on Topuria’s potential thoughts about his upcoming fight:
“Ilia saying to himself, im fighting the wrong guy tomorrow.”
Earlier that day, at the UFC Freedom 250 official weigh-ins, Hokit appeared disheveled and made a show of pretending to be intoxicated and vomiting, despite making weight for his heavyweight bout against Derrick Lewis. He explained his behavior by saying:
“So what, maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn’t be? I have a giant black man that wants to knock me out.”
English Translation:
The MMA community has reacted to Josh Hokit’s recent controversial statements during the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference, held at the historic Lincoln Memorial.
Hokit began by apologizing for disrupting the previous press conference and offered an apology to all the fighters competing on the June 14 card, the fans in attendance, and even UFC CEO Dana White. After that, he began praising every fighter on stage. However, Ilia Topuria was not interested in hearing compliments from the polarizing heavyweight contender and quickly asked him to “shut up.”
Hokit tried his best to keep his “The Incredible Hok” persona under control, but it didn’t work out. He soon began taking shots at the Georgian-Spaniard for showing support to Alex Pereira, who is one of Hokit’s favorite targets. He also took a massive dig at “El Matador” by bringing up his ex-wife during the press conference. The 28-year-old quipped:
“I think Topuria is so mad because he’s so short he cannot see himself in the bathroom mirror, and he married a stripper from Miami. I’m sorry. ‘The Incredible Hok’ just be getting me in trouble.”
Meanwhile, a frustrated Topuria demanded:
“Can somebody just shut this guy up? Just shut up. Shut up.”
Despite throwing nonstop verbal jabs at both “El Matador” and “Poatan,” Hokit repeatedly stated he is a fan of both and they are his “favorite fighters.” Throughout the pre-fight press conference, he continued switching in and out of his “The Incredible Hok” persona to praise and then trash-talk.
Fans Reacted to Josh Hokit’s Remarks About Ilia Topuria’s Ex-Wife
A netizen commented, adding that Josh Hokit’s antics might compel Ilia Topuria to move up and make the 28-year-old eat his own words.
“This man is gonna make Ilia move up to heavyweight lol.”
Another with similar sentiments added:
“Ilia is moving up to heavyweight tonight.”
A netizen commented:
“Ilia saying to himself, im fighting the wrong guy tomorrow.”
Earlier today, at the UFC Freedom 250 official weigh-ins, Josh Hokit showed up ‘drunk,’ made weight for his heavyweight contest against Derrick Lewis, and started fake throwing up on himself. He said:
“So what, maybe I was drinking last night. Who wouldn’t be? I have a giant black man that wants to knock me out.”