There’s no denying the UFC’s heavyweight division could use a boost of energy and excitement.
Without question, ascending heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit brings a unique brand of enthusiasm and promotional techniques to the organization.
However, on Wednesday at the official UFC 327 media day, the undefeated prospect had a memorable, albeit brief, appearance and even caused a brief disturbance backstage.
Hokit is a fresh talent in the UFC after only debuting in mixed martial arts in 2023 and is off to a 2-0 start in the UFC with a pair of first-round finishes in November and January.
The unranked Hokit is set to face No. 5-ranked heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes on Saturday’s pay-per-view main card.
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A new era at 205 pounds begins when Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg compete for the vacant light-heavyweight title. Watch UFC 327 on Saturday, April 11 with prelim coverage beginning 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and pay-per-view main card starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
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It is by far the biggest step-up in competition in Hokit’s young career, but you wouldn’t guess it based on how relaxed Hokit behaves in the spotlight.
Hokit didn’t answer any questions from reporters in Miami at Wednesday’s media availability; instead, he ranted and improvised a pro wrestling-style monologue before eventually leaving the stage.
Moments before stepping up to the podium, the 28-year-old from California briefly confronted UFC 327 headliner Jiri Prochazka, prompting the former 205-pound champ to warn, “Man, stay where you are.”
Hokit, while staying in character and holding a toy lightsaber, uttered some curse words when yelling at Prochazka, but Prochazka stood his ground and the situation quickly de-escalated.
Blaydes is coming off a split decision win over Rizvan Kuniev in his lone 2025 fight. Kuniev was also unranked like Hokit, but he pushed Blaydes to the brink.
Hokit was a standout collegiate wrestler and football player and even had a brief stint in the NFL before beginning MMA, and he will look to do what Kuniev couldn’t and upset Blaydes in just his ninth pro bout.
Prochazka’s opponent, Carlos Ulberg, also ran into Hokit backstage prior to speaking with gathered media.
Blaydes’ only losses in MMA have been to UFC champions Francis Ngannou, Tom Aspinall plus past title challengers Derrick Lewis and Sergei Pavlovich, so if Hokit can join that group, it’ll set the table for what could be a massive 2026 for the unabashed unbeaten fighter.
UFC 327 takes place Saturday night in Miami at the Kaseya Center with Prochazka and Ulberg competing for the vacant light-heavyweight title in the main event.
