UFC newcomer Josh Hokit has made a significant impact, surging into the top 5 of the heavyweight division’s rankings following his impressive victory against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.
Last weekend, Josh Hokit announced his arrival in spectacular fashion. Under the bright lights of Miami, he engaged in a fierce, back-and-forth striking battle with Curtis Blaydes, a highly-regarded heavyweight in the UFC. Despite facing considerable challenges, Hokit secured a crucial decision victory, instantly establishing himself as a top contender.
While other formidable contenders remain in the heavyweight division, Hokit is set for another significant challenge. At UFC Freedom 250, he is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis, renowned as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in mixed martial arts history.
According to the official UFC.com rankings, Hokit’s recent triumph has earned him a well-deserved spot in the heavyweight rankings.
UFC Heavyweight Rankings (Updated):
- Champion: Tom Aspinall
- 1: Ciryl Gane
- 2: Alexander Volkov
- 3: Sergei Pavlovich
- 4: Waldo Cortes Acosta
- 5: Josh Hokit (Previously Unranked)
- 6: Serghei Spivac
- 7: Curtis Blaydes (Dropped 1 spot)
- 8: Rizvan Kuniev (Dropped 1 spot)
- 9: Derrick Lewis (Dropped 1 spot)
- 10: Ante Delija (Dropped 1 spot)
- 11: Tyrell Fortune (Dropped 1 spot)
- 12: Marcin Tybura (Dropped 1 spot)
- 13: Tallison Teixeira (Dropped 1 spot)
- 14: Mick Parkin
- 15: Shamil Gaziev (Dropped 2 spots)
At only 28 years old, Hokit is remarkably young for the heavyweight division. His exceptional speed, a rare trait among heavyweights in recent history, rivals that of even the champion, Tom Aspinall.
While his public persona might not appeal to everyone, a significant victory in a high-profile fight could propel him into superstardom. Although no outcome is guaranteed with powerful strikers, his journey promises to be exciting to follow.
For Blaydes, this result signifies a need to reassess and identify areas for improvement within the constantly evolving heavyweight landscape.
