Josh Hokit Shines at UFC 327

MIAMI — Josh Hokit had both the skills and flair needed to stand out.

The talented wrestler and former Fresno State football player entered UFC 327 this past Saturday, facing a fair amount of skepticism from observers.

He surprised everyone by securing an impressive decision victory over Curtis Blaydes amid a barrage of 351 serious strikes exchanged by both fighters.

This matchup turned out to be one of the most thrilling in UFC history, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.

Hokit seems to embody what the UFC is looking for: a promising American star. His image donning an American flag strikes a chord with fans.

His performance certainly left a mark on the promotions.

In fact, reports surfaced that President Trump was so impressed that he suggested Hokit should face Derrick Lewis on a future White House card. “President Trump looked at me and asked, ‘Why isn’t Derrick Lewis on the card?’” White recounted after the event. “I hurried to Hokit, who was being taken to the ambulance, and he said, ‘I accept.’”

Born and raised in California, Hokit weighed in at 235 pounds for his fight against Blaydes, who came in at the heavyweight limit of 265 pounds. Remarkably, the 30-pound discrepancy didn’t hinder Hokit during this standout fight.

The bout was, without a doubt, one of the most impressive I’ve seen at the heavyweight level.

“I took the initiative and made my voice heard,” Hokit declared in the Octagon afterward, to the astonishment of the packed audience. He even threw some light-hearted jabs at fellow fighter Alex Pereira, who is scheduled for a fight in June and recently moved up to heavyweight to contend for an interim title.

Who knows? A potential win for Hokit in June might pave the way for a future title shot and a clash with Pereira.

Throughout the match, Hokit was also noted for his playful antagonism toward Blaydes, making the encounter even more engaging.

No matter what angle you consider, Hokit emerged as the standout performer at UFC 327—a significant win that the UFC was eager for.

“You won’t hear any more questions about Hokit from me,” White stated post-fight.

What will be the buzz? The cashing of checks and the emergence of a new American star in the UFC.

Exactly the type of energy the organization needed.