Hokit tears into Pereira for demanding Gane rematch without a single heavyweight win

Josh Hokit has publicly torn into Alex Pereira’s push for a heavyweight title rematch against Ciryl Gane, arguing the Brazilian has no business demanding another shot without first recording a single win at 265 pounds.

Pereira was stopped by Gane via technical knockout at UFC Freedom 250 in his most recent outing and subsequently took to social media to call for a return fight with the Frenchman. That campaign drew an immediate and pointed response from Hokit, a heavyweight contender who believes he is the more deserving challenger.

“As a fan, that fight makes no fcking sense,” Hokit wrote on X. “I watched you get demolished. How about a more favorable matchup like Sergei who is basically a striker and way less athletic than Ciryl. How about you get one fcking win in this weight class before you are gifted another title shot.”

Hokit also pushed back on the narrative that Pereira has demonstrated credible wrestling defence during his UFC run, drawing a distinction between the grappling styles he has faced and the level he believes he himself represents.

“Casuals talking about Pereira’s wrestling defense don’t know the difference between basic Sambo and elite wrestling,” Hokit wrote in a follow-up post. “Ank is just a basic Sambo/Greco guy, not a real NCAA All-American or Olympic freestyle threat. I ragdolled Denzell Freeman, the current No. 4 US Olympic Greco wrestler, with pure wrestling and pressure. Pereira hasn’t faced a high-caliber wrestler in his life and knows I’d break him on the canvas.”

Pereira did reclaim his light heavyweight title last year with a knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev, but Hokit’s argument is that Ankalaev’s Sambo and Greco-Roman background is a far cry from the freestyle wrestling threat he poses at heavyweight.

Hokit also claimed that Gane’s own corner has privately acknowledged him as a serious danger, alleging that the champion’s brother and trainer told him backstage at a recent event that he sees Hokit as a future UFC heavyweight champion. “That’s why he’s begging for Gane, and why Gane wants him,” Hokit wrote. “Ciryl already destroyed him and knows I’m a way younger, more dangerous puzzle. I don’t blame Ciryl for wanting the easier money.”

Pereira has not publicly responded to Hokit’s remarks. Whether the UFC moves toward a Pereira-Gane rematch or opts for a fresh contender such as Hokit remains to be seen.