Outspoken heavyweight prospect gets big step up in competition at UFC 327

Outspoken heavyweight prospect gets big step up in competition at UFC 327Tristen CritchfieldFeb 24, 2026Josh Hokit has made a name for himself in a short time in the UFC. | Getty/UFCJosh Hokitwill be swimming in deep waters in his next Octagon apppearance.The undefeated heavyweight prospect will lock horns with perennial contenderCurtis BlaydesatUFC 327in Miami, the promotion announced Tuesday. A handful of other bouts — some previously reported — were also confirmed for the April 11 event:Kevin Hollandvs.Randy Brownat welterweight;Paulo Costavs.Azamat Murzakanovat heavyweight andDominick Reyesvs.Johnny Walkerat light heavyweight.UFC 327 takes place at the Kaseya Center in Miami and features flyweight title tilt pittingJoshua VanagainstTatsuro Taira. It is currently unclear if Van vs. Taira will be the evening’s main event. The entirety of the card airs on Paramount+.A Gap in ExperienceHokit is undefeated in eight professional outings and has finished all of his opponents inside the distance. After earning a contract onDana White's Contender Seriesthis past August, “The Incredible Hok” has kicked off hisUFCtenure with first-round stoppages ofMax GimenisandDenzel Freeman. In addition to his penchant for quick finishes, Hokit has made a name for himself thanks to his pro wrestling persona in interviews.Blaydes represents a significant step up from the likes of Gimenis and Freeman, however. The 35-year-old Illinois native is 14-5 with one no contest since making his Octagon debut in 2016. He owns notable wins against the likes ofMark Hunt,Alistair Overeem,Junior dos Santos,Alexander Volkov,Jairzinho Rozenstruik,Tom Aspinall(via injury) andJailton Almeida. Most recently, Blaydes took a split verdict overRizvan Kunievat UFC Baku in June.

Outspoken heavyweight prospect gets big step up in competition at UFC 327Tristen CritchfieldFeb 24, 2026

Outspoken heavyweight prospect gets big step up in competition at UFC 327

Josh Hokit has made a name for himself in a short time in the UFC. | Getty/UFCJosh Hokitwill be swimming in deep waters in his next Octagon apppearance.The undefeated heavyweight prospect will lock horns with perennial contenderCurtis BlaydesatUFC 327in Miami, the promotion announced Tuesday. A handful of other bouts — some previously reported — were also confirmed for the April 11 event:Kevin Hollandvs.Randy Brownat welterweight;Paulo Costavs.Azamat Murzakanovat heavyweight andDominick Reyesvs.Johnny Walkerat light heavyweight.UFC 327 takes place at the Kaseya Center in Miami and features flyweight title tilt pittingJoshua VanagainstTatsuro Taira. It is currently unclear if Van vs. Taira will be the evening’s main event. The entirety of the card airs on Paramount+.A Gap in ExperienceHokit is undefeated in eight professional outings and has finished all of his opponents inside the distance. After earning a contract onDana White's Contender Seriesthis past August, “The Incredible Hok” has kicked off hisUFCtenure with first-round stoppages ofMax GimenisandDenzel Freeman. In addition to his penchant for quick finishes, Hokit has made a name for himself thanks to his pro wrestling persona in interviews.Blaydes represents a significant step up from the likes of Gimenis and Freeman, however. The 35-year-old Illinois native is 14-5 with one no contest since making his Octagon debut in 2016. He owns notable wins against the likes ofMark Hunt,Alistair Overeem,Junior dos Santos,Alexander Volkov,Jairzinho Rozenstruik,Tom Aspinall(via injury) andJailton Almeida. Most recently, Blaydes took a split verdict overRizvan Kunievat UFC Baku in June.

Josh Hokit has made a name for himself in a short time in the UFC. | Getty/UFC

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