Josh Hokit is a 10-0 UFC heavyweight and former NFL prospect who has become one of the most polarizing figures in the sport. He called Brittney Griner a man on live television with Joe Rogan, beat Curtis Blaydes in a potential Fight of the Year, knocked out Derrick Lewis, and is now ranked #5 in the world targeting a title shot in 2026.
Who Is Josh Hokit?
Josh Hokit is an undefeated UFC heavyweight from Bakersfield, California. Before fighting professionally, he played college football at Fresno State as a tight end and fullback, and earned All-America wrestling honors. The San Francisco 49ers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He also had a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals in August 2022 but was waived five days later without playing a regular season game.
His NFL career ended before it started. He turned to MMA instead.
How Old Is Josh Hokit and Where Is He From?
Josh Hokit was born in November 1997, making him 28 years old. He grew up in Bakersfield, California, before heading to Fresno State, where he earned All-America wrestling honors and played tight end and fullback.
His mother is originally from Campeche, Mexico. His father is Seth Hokit. He has an older brother named Isaiah. He is married to Lisa Gossmann, and they have two children together, Braxton Hokit and Haidyn Hokit.
What Is Josh Hokit’s MMA Background?
Hokit signed with Bellator MMA in March 2023 to start his professional career. After winning three fights under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner, he earned a spot on Season 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series on August 19, 2025, stopping Guilherme Uriel by TKO in the second round to earn a UFC contract.
He made his UFC debut on November 8, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 264, stopping Max Gimenis in the first round and earning a Performance of the Night bonus. The post-fight interview gave everyone a first look at what Hokit was going to be about in the UFC:
What Did Josh Hokit Say About Brittney Griner?
Hokit beat Denzel Freeman at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, via TKO when Freeman retired on his stool after the first round. Then came the Joe Rogan post-fight interview. After the fight breakdown, Hokit added: “And PS: Brittney Griner is a man.”
Rogan’s reaction was immediate and flat. “I think we heard it all,” he said. Later, back at the commentary desk, Rogan said “Brittney Griner catching strays” before following it with “She doesn’t deserve that.” Dana White weighed in the next day: “I don’t love it.”
The internet split in the predictable direction. Some thought it was funny. Most called it cheap and unprovoked. Griner had nothing to do with the fight, the card, or anything adjacent to it. Hokit did not seem to care either way.
Did Josh Hokit Beat Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327?
Yes, and it was not a close fight on paper but it was an all-time fight to watch.
Hokit and Blaydes combined for 354 significant strikes across three rounds, setting a new UFC heavyweight record. Hokit landed 177 of them. All three judges scored it 29-28 for Hokit. He earned both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, picking up $200,000 on top of his fight purse. Commentators called it the greatest heavyweight brawl since Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Bigfoot Silva.
Dana White, who had been publicly lukewarm on the character work, changed his tune. “He walked the talk tonight,” White said. “When people come out and say stupid shit and have sort of a schtick, it’s not my thing. But he walked the talk.” Hokit called out light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in the post-fight interview and defended his promotional approach, calling fighters who avoid it “lazy.”
During UFC 327 media week, Hokit was doing what he always does:
What Has Josh Hokit Done Since UFC 327?
Hokit returned on June 14, 2026, at UFC Freedom 250, fighting Derrick Lewis on the South Lawn of the White House. Lewis is the UFC’s all-time knockout record holder. Hokit stopped him in the second round by TKO, moving to 10-0 overall and #5 in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
Then came the post-fight interview.
What Did Josh Hokit Say About Michelle Obama?
Standing on the South Lawn of the White House seconds after stopping Derrick Lewis, Hokit looked into the camera and said: “Michelle Obama is a man, am I right America?”
The reaction this time was sharper than the Griner situation. Dana White, who had said “I don’t love it” after the Griner comments, came out harder. “I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said. Former NFL star Robert Griffin III called it “a really small man” move. No response came from Michelle Obama’s representatives.
Hokit has not backed down. He called it a compliment and said publicly he will never backtrack from anything he says. He wants two more fights in 2026 and a shot at the title. “There’s news on the horizon,” he said in late June 2026.
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