Hokit hurls profane insults at Pereira in hotel corridor, gets completely ignored

Josh Hokit’s campaign to get under Alex Pereira’s skin continued at the fighter hotel in Washington, D.C., when the undefeated heavyweight cursed at a passing Pereira in a corridor and was met with complete indifference ahead of Sunday’s UFC White House event.

The brief exchange — captured on video — shows Hokit hurling profanities as Pereira moves in the opposite direction, with Hokit then departing via an escalator. It is the latest chapter in a feud that began at UFC 327 media day in April, when Hokit first directed insults at “Poatan” and was similarly brushed off.

The tension escalated at a recent UFC White House press conference, where Hokit drew a more visible reaction from Pereira. Speaking to MMA Fighting afterwards, Pereira said he had “never seen” anything like Hokit’s behaviour before — a rare acknowledgement from a fighter who has otherwise refused to engage.

Despite the growing animosity, a fight between the two is not currently on the cards. At UFC White House, Pereira is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title, while Hokit — unbeaten in his professional career — takes on fan favourite Derrick Lewis in a bout that could significantly raise his profile.

Should both men win on Sunday, a future matchup becomes a genuine possibility. Undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined as he recovers from eye injuries, leaving the division’s top picture unsettled and the door open for a Pereira-Hokit collision further down the line.