Josh Hokit is pushing back against the narrative that he emerged from nowhere during his first year in the UFC. As he prepares for the most significant challenge of his career, the fighter emphasizes that his success is the result of a lifetime of physical preparation rather than a sudden stroke of luck. He pushed back on the idea that his rise was sudden, five days before the biggest fight of his career. Check out Josh Hokit ‘s comments below.
Hokit is set to face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 334, scheduled for November 14 at Madison Square Garden. Gane ascended to the position of undisputed champion this past September after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt due to persistent eye issues. Despite maintaining an undefeated 10-0 record, with a 4-0 mark inside the octagon, Hokit enters the main event as the underdog.
Reflecting on his journey, the challenger stated, “Since I was four, I was wrestling.
During an appearance on the Double Coverage Podcast, he detailed the extensive athletic background that supports his current professional standing. His wrestling roots include a California state title at Clovis High School in 2016 and an All-America finish at the 2019 NCAA championships, where he placed fifth at 197 pounds.
Beyond the mat, Hokit was a dual-sport athlete at Fresno State. Over four seasons with the football team, he recorded 303 carries for 1,260 yards and 17 touchdowns, while adding 38 receptions for 260 yards and one score. His versatility saw him contribute as a linebacker and on special teams units as well. Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at and more. On the field he carried 303 times for 1,260 yards and 17 touchdowns across four seasons, caught 38 passes for 260 yards and a score, and played some linebacker and special teams. His own accounting is broader.
His transition to the professional gridiron included time on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad across the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He also had a brief tenure with the Arizona Cardinals before being waived in August 2022 without appearing in a regular-season NFL game.
Following his football career, Hokit pivoted to MMA. He turned professional in October 2023 and had secured a 5-0 record by the time he was recruited for Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2025. He views the financial rewards he has since earned, including a high-end California home and a luxury vehicle, as merely secondary to his lifelong dedication to training.
