Derrick Lewis explains why Josh Hokit erred with quick turnaround for UFC White House fight card

Derrick Lewis has shed light on why Josh Hokit's decision to fight him could backfire on the latter. Additionally, "The Black Beast" underlined the significance of protecting one's health. 

Lewis, who's currently ranked No. 9 in the official UFC heavyweight rankings, is booked to take on the No. 5-ranked Hokit. The Lewis vs. Hokit three-round heavyweight matchup will transpire at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14. 

For his part, Hokit, who's still unbeaten in his professional mixed martial arts career, has been lobbying for a title shot. He's even been feuding with Alex Pereira, who'll fight Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight championship in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250. 

Considering the variables at play, a win over Hokit could propel Lewis not only into the top five in the weight class but also into the title conversation. 

Derrick Lewis outlines why Josh Hokit erred by agreeing to fight him at UFC Freedom 250

Speaking to MMA Junkie's Jero Guerra, Derrick Lewis addressed his upcoming return to the octagon as well as his opponent, Josh Hokit. 

Lewis's most recent octagon appearance witnessed him suffer a second-round TKO defeat against Waldo Cortes-Acosta back in January.

Meanwhile, Hokit is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Curtis Blaydes, whom he bested in a three-round war in April. Lewis also happens to have faced Blaydes, having beaten "Razor" via knockout a few years ago. 

Upon being asked whether Hokit is making a mistake by making such a quick turnaround after the brutal fight he had against Blaydes and if that favors him, Lewis stated: 

"I believe so. He (Hokit) had to have some time off. I don't care how -- even if he won the fight in a couple seconds."

Indicating that one's body needs time to recover, Lewis added, "You know, I still believe your body and your brain still need time off. And I believe he's making a mistake." 

Derrick Lewis also addressed his own turnaround for the UFC White House card

Moreover, Derrick Lewis himself sustained some damage in his most recent octagon outing, what with his TKO loss at the hands of Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Nevertheless, Lewis has had much more time to recover than Josh Hokit. 

When asked about whether that loss has added an additional chip on his shoulder for his comeback fight or if he's simply brushed it off, Lewis said: 

"I brushed it off. And also I know the reason why I lost that fight is because I had a back injury. Like, I couldn't move the whole fight." 

 

Watch Derrick Lewis address, what he believes is Josh Hokit's mistake, below (*comments at the 1:08-minute mark of the video):