Derrick Lewis reveals his views on UFC Freedom 250 opponent Josh Hokit, addresses those hoping for his KO win

Derrick Lewis is considered to be one of the most powerful knockout artists in the sport of mixed martial arts. Lewis currently holds the record for the highest number of knockout wins in UFC history, with 16 KO/TKO wins to his name. 

He'll take on fellow American fighter Josh Hokit in a three-round heavyweight matchup at the special UFC Freedom 250 event, which will go down at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 14. 

Heading into the fight, Lewis has given his views on the 28-year-old Hokit as a fighter. The 41-year-old has also sent a message of reassurance to those who want to see him secure an emphatic knockout victory against "The Incredible Hok." 

Derrick Lewis's views on Josh Hokit, his reassurance to fans ahead of UFC Freedom 250

During a recent conversation with UFC play-by-play commentator and correspondent Jon Anik on UFC on Paramount, Derrick Lewis discussed his highly anticipated return to the octagon. 

Anik notably alluded that Hokit has irked many fellow fighters and fans with his trash talk. As such, certain sections of MMA fans have been calling for Lewis to silence him with a knockout in their matchup. 

On that note, Anik asked Lewis how he feels about the people who are hoping he violently separates Hokit from his consciousness.

The UFC heavyweight staple responded by reassuring them that he will knock Hokit out. Lewis stated, "I promise you, guys -- promise, promise you, guys -- I will not let you down. Promise." 

Additionally, when asked for his thoughts on Hokit as a fighter and what he brings to the matchup, Lewis said: 

"I haven't watched none of his fights. I don't know anything about him. I just heard that he likes to talk a lot of trash. That's about it. That's all I know about him. And my coach said he used to be a wrestler." 

 

Watch Derrick Lewis discuss the Josh Hokit matchup below (*comments at the 3:09-minute mark of the video): 

Derrick Lewis could catapult himself into the upper echelons at heavyweight by beating Josh Hokit

Presently, Derrick Lewis stands at the No. 9 position in the official UFC heavyweight rankings. On the other hand, Josh Hokit is at the No. 5 spot in the rankings. 

Lewis competed for the UFC heavyweight championship once in his MMA career, but he was beaten via submission by then-champion Daniel Cormier in 2018. Meanwhile, the undefeated Hokit is yet to receive his maiden title shot. 

Lewis last competed in January and suffered a TKO defeat against Waldo Cortes-Acosta. As for Hokit, he's coming off a unanimous decision victory in a back-and-forth fight against Curtis Blaydes, whom he faced in April. 

Incidentally, Lewis holds a knockout victory over Blaydes, who happens to be Hokit's most recent opponent. Furthermore, the consensus is that if Lewis were to beat Hokit -- who's been lobbying for a heavyweight title shot -- the veteran fighter could propel himself into the top-five and enter the title mix.