Josh Hokit’s breakthrough win at UFC 327 has already turned into a massive opportunity, as the undefeated heavyweight has been booked to fight Derrick Lewis on June 14 at the White House.
Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision at UFC 327 at Kaseya Center, improving to 9-0 in MMA and 3-0 in the UFC. Their bout earned a double bonus, and shortly after the victory the promotion announced Hokit would face Lewis on the upcoming White House card.
UFC CEO Dana White detailed how the matchup came together, starting with a conversation at Kaseya Center. "What's crazy is, organically, about an hour before that, the president said to me, 'Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card?'" White said. He added that Lewis told him, "I absolutely want to fight on the card. Tell the president thank you."
White said the idea to pair Lewis with Hokit sparked during Hokit's fight. "Then, the Hokit fight happens. I have the head phones on and Joe Rogan goes, 'Is there another slot open on the White House card for Hokit?' I go,' Holy sh*t.' I grab Mick and say, 'Go back there and talk and see if he's in. Hokit was getting into an ambulance and says yes."
Hokit was transported to the hospital after the fight and was not made available to the media. White said, "No, I haven't heard anything bad. I don't think we've heard anything good yet, either." Hokit's representative Justin Thomas stated via text that Hokit is "doing well,".
