"Taco boy" - Valter Walker highlights why Josh Hokit avoided him in verbal onslaught against UFC stars

Valter Walker and Josh Hokit have been engaged in a fierce feud over the past several months. The young heavyweight stars have traded several barbs but are yet to clash inside the Octagon in a professional MMA matchup. 

Nevertheless, their rivalry appears to be as intense as ever, with Walker now taking another jibe at his American foe. "The Clean Monster" has explained why Hokit avoided mentioning him in his latest verbal onslaught against the UFC roster. 

The Valter Walker vs. Josh Hokit UFC feud

The animosity between Valter Walker and Josh Hokit is believed to be rooted in their war of words after the Californian's UFC promotional debut last year. Hokit seemed to channel his inner Chael Sonnen -- from the iconic Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva feud -- and take jabs at Brazil's Walker. He warned that he'd beat up another Brazilian in Walker. 

The towering Brazil-born, Russia-based heavyweight fired back by warning that he'd handily defeat Hokit if they ever face off in an MMA fight. Additionally, Walker has consistently alluded to Hokit's controversial socio-political assertions, criticizing the U.S. representative for what many believe are bigoted and discriminatory statements. 

All things aside, both fighters have been lauded for their grappling prowess and overall MMA skill sets. Walker's BJJ and Hokit's wrestling have earned them significant laudation. Many view them as potential future UFC champions in the proverbial division of giants. 

Valter Walker highlights why Josh Hokit avoided him in his verbal attacks against the UFC roster

During his latest appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Josh Hokit took aim at various stars on the UFC roster. Some of the fighters who were on the receiving end of his polarizing trash talk were Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Alexander Volkov, Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, and Gable Steveson.

"The Incredible Hok" even took aim at MMA superstar Ilia Topuria. He also jestingly jabbed at UFC CEO Dana White, emphasizing that although White publicly condemns his controversial statements, he secretly admires him (Hokit). 

Speaking of which, Valter Walker took to X and responded to a user who listed a few names whom Hokit targeted in his latest verbal onslaught. The heel hook submission extraordinaire indicated that Hokit's avoiding him in the trash talk is because he'd get thoroughly outdone -- be it at a press conference or elsewhere. 

Walker wrote, "There's no my name in there, u know why? Because he wouldn't be able to stand listening me at a press conference or anywhere else, cause that character would go straight to f**king hell when I start. U are real cute, taco boy." 

Theres ‘s no my name in there, u know why? Because he wouldnt be able to stand listening me at a press conference or anywhere else, cause that character would go straight to fucking hell when i start. U are real cute, taco boy.

— Valter Walker (@ValterUfc) September 28, 2026

Presently, Hokit stands at No. 6 in the UFC heavyweight division, per the official Meta UFC rankings. Walker is at No. 11 on that list. Furthermore, Hokit's booked to compete in his very first UFC title fight -- he'll face UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane for the belt at UFC 334 on November 14. 

A netizen hinted at their ranking differential and cited that Hokit's receiving a title shot. Walker hit back by insinuating that the American's bizarre trash talk and penchant for playing outlandish characters/public personas have fetched him the title shot -- and that he hasn't exactly earned it based on merit. 

Walker noted, "Just win any of the top 10 and talk some schizophrenic sh** that you win the title shot?" 

@tnpxi Just win any of the top 10 and talk some schizophrenic shit that you win the title shot?

— Valter Walker (@ValterUfc) September 28, 2026