Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis trade chilling warnings before heavyweight fight at UFC Freedom 250
The unbeaten Josh Hokit and 265-pound divisional veteran Derrick Lewis are set to clash in a marquee matchup at UFC Freedom 250. Both fighters have exchanged warnings ahead of their much-awaited clash.
The feud between Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis has lately intensified, given the unbeaten Hokit's barrage of verbal attacks against his veteran opponent.
The two fighters are booked to clash in a highly anticipated three-round heavyweight matchup at UFC Freedom 250. For his part, Hokit has called for a title shot, provided he beats Lewis. Meanwhile, Lewis has other plans.
The UFC Freedom 250 event will transpire at the White House on its South Lawn in Washington, D.C., on June 14. Heading into their fight, Hokit and Lewis -- known for their powerful and aggressive fighting styles -- have directed eerie warnings at one another.
Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis trade warnings before UFC Freedom 250
In a UFC Freedom 250 promo video posted to the UFC's official YouTube channel, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization shed light on the future of the heavyweight division. The two athletes primarily featured in it were Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis.
Hokit, who's been a part of the promotion's heavyweight roster since last year, seemingly reaffirmed his stance that he's the future of the UFC's heaviest weight class.
On the contrary, Lewis, who's competed in the UFC since 2014, implied that he's still more than capable of maintaining his spot in the UFC heavyweight division's future.
Well, Hokit labeled Lewis "a gatekeeper" and suggested that he himself, in contrast, is hungry to ascend to the top of the division. Warning Lewis, "The Incredible Hok" stated:
"If you sign the contract to fight me, you will be hurt by me... Derrick Lewis is getting hurt tonight. I don't care if he's a fan-favorite and people like him. I gotta do what I gotta do."
On the other hand, the 41-year-old Lewis made an allusion to the considerable trash talk directed at him by Hokit. Warning the 28-year-old in that regard, "The Black Beast" said:
"The most satisfaction I ever get is whenever I knock a guy out that's been talking trash... I'm planning on coming in swinging and banging. First or second round, I believe I can get the win."
Watch Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis trade warnings in the video below:
Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis are regarded as prolific finishers
Both Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis hail from the United States of America. They also share the similarity of being excellent and fearsome finishers inside the octagon. Hokit has accrued a professional MMA record of 9-0 -- with five wins via KO/TKO, three by submission, and one by way of decision.
The only opponent who's managed to go the distance with the rising heavyweight star is Curtis Blaydes. He bested Blaydes, a one-time interim UFC heavyweight title challenger, via unanimous decision in a closely contested fight back in April.
Intriguingly, Derrick Lewis holds a knockout win against Blaydes from 2021. Speaking of Lewis, he boasts 29 MMA wins, 13 defeats, and one NC (No Contest). Of his wins, 24 came via KO/TKO, one by submission, and four by way of decision. Also, he's notched 16 KO/TKO wins under the UFC banner itself, the most for any fighter in the organization.
