Josh Hokit Torches Alex Pereira Over Insistence on Ciryl Gane Rematch
Undefeated Heavyweight Champion has joined the list of critics against Alex Pereira's stubborn push for a Gane rematch.
After conquering two UFC divisions, Alex Pereira was hot on his heels to sweep the third, but the UFC Freedom 250 bout against Ciryl Gane for the interim title proved 'Poatan' wasn't invincible. The former light heavyweight, however, isn't ready to accept that loss. That has drawn criticism from multiple MMA figures, including Josh Hokit recently.
Josh Hokit Slams 'Poatan's UFC 334 Aspirations
Speaking with Paramount+ recently, Alex Pereira eyed a rematch with the current heavyweight champion at the upcoming UFC 334, an event set for Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden. The memory of the controversial back-of-the-head shots still appears fresh. The 'Incredible Hok', however, is having none of it.
"Well it’s not up to you so I’ll either see Ciryl Gane or you in November," Hokit reminded the Brazilian on X.
Well it’s not up to you so I’ll either see Ciryl Gane or you in November https://t.co/FOEjn0zZPD
— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) September 14, 2026
This is not the first time the San Francisco 49er-turned-MMA-star has hit back at the two-division champ. Ever since Pereira's dreams of a third belt came crashing down with a cold knockout loss, Hokit has made his stance extremely clear: Poatan needs to prove himself in the heavyweight division before another shot at the belt.
“I watched you get demolished. How about a more favorable match up like Sergei who is basically a striker & way less athletic than Ciryl. How about you get one f—ing win in this weight class before you are gifted another title shot," the American fighter had exclaimed in an earlier X post from September 8.
Sergei Pavlovich ranks 3rd at heavyweight, with impressive momentum on his resume (21-3). That, Hokit believes, provides Pereira the perfect opportunity to prove his mettle at 265. While the comment definitely makes sense logistically, there's also a more personal undercurrent to this beef.
Josh Hokit's Personal Feud with Poatan
The pair have definitely clashed before, notably at the UFC White House press conference, where Hokit tossed multiple insults at Pereira. Beyond personal comments, the former NFL star also challenged the new heavyweight competitively.
The hype may have dissipated since Poatan's catastrophic loss, but Hokit hasn't stopped throwing shade at the Brazilian striker.
In fact, defending Michael Bisping's "sore loser" comment, the heavyweight menace went so far as to compare Poatan with Ilia Topuria, cooling off his devastating loss against Gaethje, by saying that the fighters don't deserve another immediate title shot.
In contrast, Josh Hokit has proposed his own name as a potential challenger in November. But the Incredible Hok is not shying away from the possibility of going at the Brazilian either.
"I’ll fight this motherfucker in a parking lot tomorrow. I would have fought him for free at the press conference in New Jersey. He can’t beat me," wrote Hokit.
The rivalry in the heavyweight division is only heating up. With Tom Aspinall relinquishing his belt recently, it'll be interesting to see where the division goes next.
