Josh Hokit lambasts UFC heavyweight elites, talks possible light heavyweight move noted by Gable Steveson

Josh Hokit has taken aim at some of his notable heavyweight rivals. "The Incredible Hok" appeared to reaffirm his stance that he's the most deserving for the next title shot in the 265-pound division. 

Additionally, Hokit suggested that he's not eyeing a potential move down in weight, to the light heavyweight division, anytime soon. 

Josh Hokit dismisses rumors of light heavyweight move recently discussed by UFC 329 star Gable Steveson

During the recent UFC 329 media day, Olympic gold medalist freestyle wrestler and UFC newcomer Gable Steveson addressed various topics. He's booked to make his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison at UFC 329. 

Steveson, who trains at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy akin to Josh Hokit, was asked about a possible future encounter between them. 

Well, Steveson affirmed that he'd have no issues fighting Hokit, in addition to highlighting that he'd heard the latter was moving down to the light heavyweight division. 

Hokit, who'd previously jibed at Steveson, took to X a few hours ago and seemed to dismiss the rumors of his supposed transition to light heavyweight. 

Capping off his X post with a 'trophy' emoji, Hokit wrote, "I will not be going down to 205 UNLESS it's for double champ status! Until then, I'm here to prove that I am the baddest man on the planet and you can only acquire that status by having the Heavyweight World Title!" 

I will not be going down to 205 UNLESS it’s for double champ status! Until then, I’m here to prove that I am the baddest man on the planet and you can only acquire that status by having the Heavyweight World Title!🏆

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) July 10, 2026

Josh Hokit lambasts fellow UFC heavyweight elites, as he continues his quest for a championship fight

As of this time, the UFC's official Meta Rankings list reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall as the top combatant at heavyweight, something which goes without saying. 

Also, interim UFC heavyweight titlist Ciryl Gane is ranked No. 1 among the division's contenders, Alexander Volkov stands at No. 2, Sergei Pavlovich holds the No. 3 spot, and former two-division UFC champ Alex Pereira is at No. 4. 

Meanwhile, Josh Hokit boasts the No. 5 position on the list. It's noteworthy that he's the only fighter in the top five who's undefeated in the sport of MMA. The 28-year-old put forth another X post a few hours back, sounding off on his fellow elites at heavyweight. 

He castigated Alex Pereira, a fighter he's relentlessly condemned as of late, citing "Poatan's" one-sided loss to Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250 last month.

Hokit jibed at Pereira over the Brazilian fighter's act of repeatedly calling out Referee Herb Dean for alleged inaction over the apparently illegal back-of-the-head strikes Gane landed on him at UFC Freedom 250. 

Furthermore, Hokit implied that Alexander Volkov has a past defeat to the current No. 8-ranked Curtis Blaydes, and Volkov beat Sergei Pavlovich.

Hokit also opined that Tom Aspinall, who's eyeing a title unifier clash against Ciryl Gane later this year, is good. 

However, he insinuated that Aspinall signed Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn as his advisor -- and Hearn has lately been at loggerheads with UFC and Zuffa Boxing boss Dana White -- which he feels shows that Aspinall doesn't intend to fight anybody in the UFC. 

For his part, Hokit has recently maintained that the UFC must strip Aspinall of the heavyweight belt and book him (Hokit) against Gane in a fight for the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship. 

Hokit, in his X post, wrote, "Alex s*cks. Worst loss to Gane in 3 years and shouldn't even be ranked at HW. Volkov lost to Blaydes & beat Pav. Tom is good, but hiring Dana's mortal enemy to manage him proves he doesn't actually want to fight anyone. I'm next. #FreeHerbDean" 

Alex sucks. Worst loss to Gane in 3 years and shouldn't even be ranked at HW.

Volkov lost to Blaydes & beat Pav. Tom is good, but hiring Dana's mortal enemy to manage him proves he doesn't actually want to fight anyone.

I'm next. #FreeHerbDean

— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) July 10, 2026