UFC fighter Josh Hokit has publicly asserted that former champions Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira do not deserve immediate title shots in their respective returns to the octagon, arguing instead that both must earn their way back through preliminary bouts, according to reports across multiple sports outlets.
Josh Hokit Criticizes Topuria and Pereira Over Title Shot Prospects
Speaking out on social media, Josh Hokit expressed a strong stance regarding the immediate future of the two divisions’ former titleholders. Known as “The Incredible Hok” within the mixed martial arts community, Hokit stated that neither fighter warrants an automatic championship opportunity following their recent defeats. “Crecí amando a la UFC y a todos sus peleadores.”
Hokit’s critique centers on the decisive nature of their last appearances inside the cage. “Háganlos ganárselo y pelear para volver como todos los demás,” Hokit emphasized, maintaining that standard contender pathways should apply to elite athletes regardless of their past championship status.
Contrasting Recovery Paths and Next Steps for the Ex-Champions
The paths back to championship contention differ significantly for both fighters. Alex Pereira recently took to social media to outline his intention to pursue a heavyweight matchup against Ciryl Gane, citing a desire to contest the outcome of their previous encounter at the White House by pointing to alleged illegal strikes by the French fighter, as noted by Mundo Deportivo.
On the other side, Ilia Topuria has not publicly declared an immediate intention to rematch Justin Gaethje for the lightweight belt. Despite Topuria’s recovery timeline, UFC broadcaster Jon Anik acknowledged the promotion’s internal interest in organizing a swift rematch between Topuria and the current champion.
Fan Sentiment Versus Promotional Realities in the UFC
Hokit’s public remarks reflect a wider debate among mixed martial arts supporters regarding how promotions handle immediate rematches for dominant former champions. A substantial segment of the fanbase shares the view that severe setbacks require a return to the contender pool to re-establish competitive momentum. At the same time, combat sports organizations frequently weigh commercial expectations and media appeal against strict sporting merit when booking marquee matchups.
As the promotion weighs its options for both weight classes, official announcements regarding the next bookings for Topuria and Pereira remain pending. MMA enthusiasts and analysts continue to monitor official UFC channels for updates on upcoming fight cards and athlete recoveries.
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