Josh Hokit trolls Alex Pereira over Ciryl Gane loss, calls for BMF match

Josh Hokit has taken a jab at Alex Pereira following the former two-division champion's loss to Ciryl Gane in a bid for the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pereira, one of the sport's brightest stars, vacated his light heavyweight crown and moved up to 205 hoping to become the first fighter ever to win titles in three different UFC weight classes. The loss derailed those ambitions and prompted concern about his future trajectory.

Glover Teixeira, Pereira's coach and mentor, recently suggested that Hokit would be a suitable comeback opponent for the Brazilian. However, the unbeaten heavyweight rejected the notion, arguing that Pereira's stock has dropped too significantly. Hokit noted that he had envisioned a career-defining matchup but claimed Gane made quick work of the former champion. Still, Hokit is willing to fight Pereira—but only under special circumstances. He pointed out that UFC CEO Dana White had suggested Pereira would be the greatest fighter in the organization's history if he defeated Gane. If the pair are to meet next, Hokit believes it should be for the BMF (Baddest Motherfucker in the Game) title rather than a standard bout, giving added prestige to a fight against a diminished opponent.

Pereira (13-4) won the middleweight title against Israel Adesanya in 2022 before losing it in their rematch the following year. He climbed to light heavyweight gold in 2023, defended it three times within twelve months, then reclaimed it by knockout after a loss to Magomed Ankalaev. Hokit (10-0), meanwhile, has emerged as a polarizing figure, recording four UFC victories including three finishes since his debut last year.