Overview
- Cormier, speaking to reporters Friday in Las Vegas, framed a future Josh Hokit vs. Gable Steveson bout as “cinema” and a storyline fit for a title run.
- Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion, is 3-0 in MMA with all first‑round finishes and signed his UFC deal during the UFC 327 broadcast.
- Josh Hokit entered off Dana White’s Contender Series, went 3-0 in the UFC, and vaulted into the top five after a “Fight of the Night” win over No. 4 Curtis Blaydes.
- Hokit is booked to face knockout veteran Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, while Steveson is expected to make his UFC debut this summer with an opponent still to be named.
- The division is in flux with champion Tom Aspinall sidelined by an eye injury and an interim title bout between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira set for Freedom 250, creating room for fast‑rising contenders.