Alex Pereira questions ‘disrespectful’ Josh Hokit’s future in UFC; Hokit calls clash ‘inevitable’

Alex Pereira has questioned Josh Hokit's future in the UFC, calling his promotional tactics "disrespectful" ahead of Sunday's UFC White House event. The two heavyweights have been at odds in recent weeks, with Hokit repeatedly attempting to provoke Pereira into a future matchup. At a recent press conference, the fighters had to be separated, with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria also expressing frustration at Hokit's antics.

Hokit remains undeterred, insisting a clash with Pereira is inevitable. "We're going to fight one day," Hokit told reporters Wednesday. "I know he knows it." He added a string of provocative comments, claiming he would dominate the former champion.

Pereira addressed the situation reluctantly, speaking through a Portuguese translator. He expressed his disapproval of Hokit's behavior, citing the broad audience—including children and families—that watches UFC events. "There's a huge audience that watches this, there are children, there are families, there are people, and a lot of the things he does and says are just very disrespectful," Pereira said. Notably, Pereira hinted he has doubts about Hokit's long-term place in the organization, though he did not elaborate on those comments.

At UFC White House on Sunday, both fighters will compete in separate heavyweight bouts. Pereira will move up a division to face Ciryl Gane for an interim title, while Hokit will look to remain undefeated against knockout specialist Derrick Lewis. Despite Pereira's apparent indifference, Hokit's persistence suggests he views a confrontation as a matter of when, not if.