“The Incredible Hok” often has something to say. Josh Hokit? Well, he’s heard from less.
In what may be his only coherent breakdown of his UFC Freedom 250 bout, Hokit (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) gave his unadulterated thoughts in a rare out-of-character interview Wednesday with MMA Junkie. Hokit battles fan-favorite Derrick Lewis in a three-round heavyweight bout on the June 14 card at the White House in Washington.
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“It’s like I’m fighting down in competition,” Hokit said. I’d never accept a fight like that after my type of performance. I’m only fighting Derrick Lewis because it’s on the White House (card). You have to. It doesn’t even matter who the opponent is. They could give me the last-ranked guy or the best guy. It’s at the White House and that’s the most important part about all of this. Yeah, I’m fighting down in the rankings as well. I’m fighting down in the rankings. I don’t know what Derrick is. I don’t know if he’s No. 8 or No. 13 or what they’ve got him at. I’m fighting down in rankings.”
So why take the bout vs. Lewis (29-13 MMA, 20-10 UFC)? Well, Hokit said that’s easy. He wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to fight at an event globally spotlighted to this level. Perhaps, as Hokit sees it, he’ll end up in the same place with a win as he would’ve against a higher-ranked contender.
“I don’t know if it’s putting me closer to the title or not,” Hokit said. “I could’ve just waited and fought for the No. 1 contender or a title shot. It’s probably a No. 1 contender if we’re looking at it realistically. But Derrick has a name in the UFC community, and so, maybe I could make his name boost my stock as well with a good performance. He has heavy hands and I can’t be hit by him. My tactics have got to be smart.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Josh Hokit gives breakdown of Derrick Lewis fight at UFC Freedom 250
