UFC heavyweight contender Josh Hokit has reignited his feud with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, warning during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show that the Spanish-Georgian fighter would be “extinguished” in another era. The remarks mark the latest escalation in a bitter rivalry that began with a physical altercation at a press event in Washington earlier this year.
UFC Heavyweight Contender Targets Topuria in Fresh Outburst
Josh Hokit attacked Ilia Topuria during his latest media appearance, questioning why a 145-pound champion would criticize him as he prepares for a heavyweight title bout. Hokit, known inside the cage as “The Incredible Hok,” did not hold back when addressing the reigning featherweight titleholder’s remarks about him.
“Ves a gente como Ilia Topuria hablando m* de mí. Soy un peso pesado y voy a ser campeón de peso pesado. ¿Qué hace un campeón de 145 libras hablando así con un peso pesado? En otra época estarías extinguido.”
The American fighter expanded his criticism to target weight classes in combat sports altogether. “When this sport started, people simply signed up to fight each other. It didn’t matter what weight class it was. That’s the most primitive thing there can be,” Hokit added.
Origins of the Feud at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington
The animosity between the two athletes traces back to June at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington. During a pre-fight press conference at the event, Hokit directed insults toward Alex Pereira. Ilia Topuria stepped in to defend his friend, leading to a heated confrontation on stage.
The altercation escalated quickly, prompting Dana White to physically intervene and eject Hokit from the stage. While Topuria defended Pereira against the verbal barbs, the incident established an enduring personal conflict between the featherweight champion and the heavyweight contender.
Fans and analysts have noted that a sanctioned bout between the two men is virtually impossible given the massive disparity in their weight classes. Despite belonging to completely different divisions, Hokit has continued to use public platforms to target the Spanish-Georgian star whenever the opportunity arises.
Hokit Faces Ciryl Gane for Vacant Heavyweight Title
The fresh war of words arrives as Hokit prepares for an opportunity in his mixed martial arts career. The undefeated heavyweight, boasting a 90% finishing rate in the cage, is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight championship at UFC 335 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The heavyweight belt became vacant after Tom Aspinall was forced to relinquish the title due to lingering eye injuries. Hokit’s upcoming clash against Gane puts him directly in the spotlight as he looks to capture gold in the division.
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has returned to active training following his own run in the featherweight division. According to scheduling reports, El Matador is eyeing his next career steps, with a targeted return to action expected during the first quarter of 2027.
Related reading
