A top UFC analyst is concerned that heavyweight star Josh Hokitâs recklessness could prevent him from fighting for a title.
UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit will look to continue his meteoric rise when he clashes against fan favorite Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 next month. Hokit vs. Lewis is part of a seven-fight card on the White House lawn headlined by two massive title fights.
After a âFight of the Yearâ frontrunner against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327, Hokitâs stock soared after U.S. President Donald Trump requested that the polarizing star fight on the upcoming White House card. Hokit, a Dana Whiteâs Contender Series alum, has showcased a reckless style on the microphone and inside the Octagon.
Hokit could potentially be one win away from a title shot if he gets past Lewis on the White House lawn. But a top UFC analyst believes Hokit will need to make major changes to his in-cage style to make the most of his title window.
Anthony Smith: Josh Hokit takes too much damage to make potential title run
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, UFC analyst Anthony Smith expressed concern for Hokitâs fighting future if he doesnât make significant changes.
âI would like to see him wrestle a little bit more and keep himself out of those firefights to add longevity to his career,â Smith said of Hokit. âIt would be nice to get in and out with a couple of dominant wins over top guys without taking that kind of damage. Heâs got a high ceiling in my opinion.â
âHe makes me nervous. I like Hokit. I like everything about him. Iâm not necessarily a huge fan of his gimmick, but if he fights the way he fought Blaydes, say whatever the fck you want. You can do whatever you want if you fight that way. If you fight like that, though, you ainât got to say sht. So Iâm not a huge fan of the gimmick, but Iâm not going to knock anyoneâs hustle, either.
âHe gets hit a lot. Jimmy Smith told me, âGuys that take a lot of damage on their way to the title, youâre going to struggle to see them in title fights or winning titles.'â
Hokitâs durability will be put to the test against Lewis. Entering UFC Freedom 250, Lewis is the UFCâs all-time knockouts leader.
he did eat too many shots vs blaydes, but did not in previous fights
Agree with Smith, Hokits career wonât last that long if he keeps fighting like he did vs Blaydes.. I donât think he will thpugh - I highly doubt heâs dumb enough to stand and trade with Derrick Lewis
They refer to Anthony Smith as âJon Jonesâ Rivalâ in the titleâŚ
Did this journalist not see the 15 minute send off the UFC gave him?
Top UFC Analyst
Iâm more offended at them referring to him as a top UFC analyst.
I saw the fight again last night baked off my ass, and Hokit didnât take any full force punches. He did what Anderson used to do and roll with the punches
Just look at his face after taking 15 minutes of supposed punishment from a guy who outweighed him by 30 pounds
And lol@âLionheartâ
Richard I must be spinning in his grave
We dont agree on much, but on both points I think you are spot fucking on.
Anthony Smith couldnt finish a random skinny guy that broke into his house.
Thereâs only one Lionheart.
Its his hand style that lets his damage happen