Josh Hokit is heading into the biggest spotlight of his career, booked to face Derrick Lewis at the White House on Sunday in a late addition to UFC Freedom 250 requested by President Trump.
Hokit, an undefeated 9-0 in MMA and 3-0 in the UFC, will meet the veteran Lewis, who enters with a 29-13 MMA record and 20-11 mark in the UFC. The bout will take place at the historic venue as part of the UFC Freedom 250 card.
In the lead-up, Hokit even tried out a practice standup comedy set at a news conference, joking, "This is why I don't do standup comedy, dude," and adding, "I'm bombing right now, dog." He later leaned into the moment when discussing the short-notice opportunity, saying, "This is the opportunity that presented itself," before turning his attention to Lewis: "Derrick Lewis, I'm going to have him kidnapped by a group of mimes. The things they will do to him will be unspeakable."
Hokit is also embracing his colorful alter egos — including Down Vato, The Incredible Hok, and Scared Josh — while revealing that his manager advised him to act more like himself ahead of the White House event. "Believe it or not, it is me. I'm from an area where there is a lot of cholo-type of guys," Hokit said, explaining how his "Down Vato" persona grew out of his Fresno State football days and a running back room crew he described as the "Vatos Locos."
