Dricus du Plessis a fan of Josh Hokit, but warns offensive UFC White House comment is ‘going to cost him’

Josh Hokit has impressed middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis with his fighting ability in the UFC heavyweight division, but du Plessis warned that an offensive remark the 28-year-old made at a recent UFC White House event will likely damage his career.

Hokit, who is undefeated in 10 professional bouts with four UFC wins, dominated veteran Derrick Lewis in the second round at the White House event, showcasing wrestling and striking that left du Plessis impressed. However, Hokit's post-fight speech included a crude comment about former First Lady Michelle Obama that drew immediate criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, who called the remark "nasty and false," and analyst Daniel Cormier, who told Hokit to "get it together."

Du Plessis told Fight Forecast that Hokit's comment was poorly timed and unnecessary. "I think it's going to cost him," du Plessis said. "That comment's going to cost him." The South African fighter praised Hokit's technical approach—using volume, footwork, and speed rather than raw power—and highlighted his impressive Fight of the Year candidate victory over Curtis Blaydes. However, du Plessis suggested Hokit tone down his outside-the-octagon theatrics, which he described as "too intense" and "borderline weird." While du Plessis sees Hokit attempting to emulate the character work of fighters like Colby Covington or Chael Sonnen, he believes the newcomer is overextending himself. "Maybe between a Covington and a Sonnen, that's what I see. But they got it right. I think he's trying to create something new and for me, it's not working," du Plessis said. As for Hokit's in-cage performance, du Plessis had no reservations: "With the fight style I have no advice for him. Keep on going."