Josh Hokit has launched sharp criticisms toward fighters Tom Aspinall, Ilia Topuria, and Ciryl Gane, among others, ahead of his upcoming clash with heavyweight champion Gane at UFC 334 in November. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hokit mocked “El Matador” Topuria and vowed to “wipe the former two-division titleholder off the face of the earth,” emphasizing his desire to reclaim the primal spirit of heavyweight fighting, despite being able to comfortably make lighter weight classes.
Hokit stated, “I’m about 237 pounds. I could easily drop to 205, but weight classes only serve as a crutch. In the beginning, it was just fighters signing up to battle—no matter the weight. Ilia Topuria, a 145-pound champion, talking to a heavyweight like me? That’s extinct behavior. I’m going to wipe you off the map.” He went on to stress that he wants to bring back the mentality that the heavyweight division represents the toughest fighters on the planet.
Regarding Tom Aspinall, who recently vacated the heavyweight crown due to an eye injury sustained in sparring, Hokit expressed skepticism. He accused Aspinall of faking the eye injury to get released from his UFC contract and pursue a career in boxing. “I think his teammates are messing with him so he gets pink eye, then he posts it on Instagram. It’s all fake—I believe he’s just trying to escape his deal and chase money in boxing,” Hokit remarked.
Turning his attention to Ciryl Gane, Hokit warned the reigning champion, nicknamed “Bon Gamin,” that he’s prepared for any tactic. “My eyes are titanium, and my head is bulletproof. If he pokes me in the eye, my fingers will break. I’ll retaliate in kind, and if he strikes me low, I’ll go even lower. I don’t think Gane deserves the undisputed title—cheating can’t be rewarded. When I beat him, that’s when I’m truly undisputed.”
Hokit also took shots at fighters Gable Steveson and Alex Pereira, and playfully addressed UFC President Dana White. He referenced Pereira’s use of ritual face paint, linking it to “witchcraft,” and joked about Dana White’s public remarks on his rise, claiming that deep down White is his biggest fan and eagerly anticipates his fights.
Fan Take: Josh Hokit’s bold and unfiltered statements are shaking up the heavyweight division with raw intensity, adding genuine drama ahead of UFC 334. His confrontational style and willingness to call out top contenders make this not just a fight but a potential turning point that could reignite heavyweight pride and captivate fight fans worldwide.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
