MIAMI – Josh Hokit was less than an hour removed from his war vs. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 when Dana White announced his next bout.
According to a social media announcement by White, Hokit (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) will battle Derrick Lewis (29-13 MMA, 20-11 UFC) at UFC Freedom 250, the promotion’s upcoming June 14 event at the White House in Washington.
Hokit and Blaydes engaged in an all-time heavyweight battle Saturday at Kaseya Center. Hokit was unavailable to the media post-fight as he required medical transportation immediately after the bout. The extent of his injuries remain unclear at the moment, which is something to consider a little over two months out from the bout against Lewis. Fighters require varying levels of clearance, depending on their medical suspension.
The win over Blaydes was massive for Hokit regardless. The performance broke him into heavyweight contendership after two previous appearances against entry-level competition in Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman. Hokit utilizes bizarre and controversial “alter-egos” to promote his fights, which garnered him much attention in the lead up to UFC 327.
Lewis was a fighter White has told media members on multiple occasions is one of president Donald Trump’s favorite fighters, but was not included in the initial fight card. The White House event has deemed a celebration of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, but it falls on Trump’s birthday. Lewis, 41, is 3-2 in his most recent five fights.
The full UFC Freedom 250 lineup includes:
- Champion Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – for lightweight title
- Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira – for vacant heavyweight title
- Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
- Kyle Daukaus vs. Bo Nickal
- Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy
- Steve Garcia vs. Diego Lopes
- Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis
