Fans react to Josh Hokit warning he'd "punt" Ian Machado Garry's son who cried after Islam Makhachev UFC 330 faceoff

Josh Hokit appears to have stoked controversy by suggesting that he'd punt Ian Machado Garry's son, Leo Machado Garry, if Ian were to try to get Leo to shake his (Hokit's) hand. 

A number of fans soon reacted to Hokit's remark, lambasting the UFC heavyweight over the same. 

Ian Machado Garry's son Leo cries after missing a meeting with Islam Makhachev; Josh Hokit threatens to "punt" the child

Reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is booked to defend his title against Ireland's Ian Machado Garry in the headlining match of UFC 330, which goes down in Philadelphia on August 15. The Dagestani titlist and his challenger partook in a cordial faceoff for the cameras near the famous Rocky statue and Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

Makhachev and his entourage seemed to depart thereafter, and Garry's three-year-old son Leo was visibly emotional that he didn't get to meet Islam Makhachev, whom he's a fan of.

Garry and his wife, Leo's mother, Layla Machado Garry, consoled him. Moreover, the UFC welterweight contender promised that he'll ensure Leo gets to say hello to Makhachev. 

Footage comprising the sequence of events was captured by Will Harris, a filmmaker known by many fight fans for his Anatomy of a Fighter YouTube series. 

Well, UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit was one of many netizens who weighed in on the heartwarming video of the little child innocently expressing his fandom for his father's opponent, Islam Makhachev. 

While many fans sent their good wishes to Leo and the Garrys, Hokit was one of a few detractors who insinuated that Ian Machado Garry was playing a game by having his child shake his opponent's hand. Warning Ian and Leo while addressing the aforementioned footage on X, Hokit wrote: 

"Try to play that game and have your kid shake my hand.. I'd punt that f**king kid." 

Check out Hokit's X post and the video featuring Garry alongside his wife and son below: 

Try to play that game and have your kid shake my hand.. I’d punt that fucking kid https://t.co/RKPGgoq00G

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) August 12, 2026

Fans condemn Josh Hokit over his comments about Ian Machado Garry's son after UFC 330 headliner faceoff

Josh Hokit soon caught a lot of flak for the apparent threat he sent the way of the young boy, albeit some argued that he was jesting. A few more of Hokit's supporters asserted that he was simply putting on a brash public persona, as he generally hints he does, to hype up his fights and keep making headlines. 

Nevertheless, many social media users condemned him for the comments about Ian Machado Garry's son. 

One X user noted, "Kid cries over missing Makhachev, Hokit threatens violence. We good?" An observer wrote, "Relax," whereas another opined, "You're not funny bro." A commenter stated, "I feel sorry for you." 

Even some of Hokit's apparent supporters called him out on this, as an X user posted, "Josh I can't defend you on this one man he's a toddler." A fan asserted, "He is a kid! Let him enjoy!" 

One commenter even referenced punting and poked fun at Hokit's brief NFL career. Another alleged that "The Incredible Hok" was "ducking" heavyweight KO artist Sergei Pavlovich. Alternatively, some supporters of Hokit seemed to laugh the debacle off. 

Presently, the 28-year-old boasts an undefeated professional MMA record. The American fighter is fresh off a TKO win over Derrick Lewis, whom he beat in June. Hokit has been campaigning for a fight against archrival Alex Pereira and is eyeing his maiden opportunity to compete for the UFC heavyweight title soon. 

Check out the screenshots of a few fan reactions to Josh Hokit's comments about Ian Machado Garry and his child Leo below: