Overview
- Chael Sonnen said Hokit will hold the UFC heavyweight belt by the end of 2026, citing uncertainty around champion Tom Aspinall’s schedule and talk that Alex Pereira could get first shot.
- At UFC 327 on April 11, Hokit outlasted Curtis Blaydes in a three-round brawl, took Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, and vaulted into the heavyweight elite.
- Hokit is 9-0 overall and 3-0 in the UFC, now ranked in the top five, and he is booked to face former title challenger Derrick Lewis on June 14 at the White House event called UFC Freedom 250.
- Dustin Poirier said Hokit “became a star” at UFC 327 and likened his rise to Conor McGregor’s, pointing to bold talk matched by an action-heavy performance.
- Reports say Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane is being lined up for interim gold, which could crowd the lane to Aspinall, so a win over Lewis may speed Hokit's case while a Lewis knockout threat looms.