Josh Hokit marches unbeaten at 6-0, earning a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series. From NFL hopeful to MMA rising star – here’s his full story.
Background: A Multi-Sport Athlete’s Evolution
Josh Hokit, nicknamed “The Incredible Hok,” was born on November 12, 1997, in Bakersfield, California, and rose to prominence as a dual-sport standout. At Fresno State, he distinguished himself both as a football fullback/tight end and a two-time All-American wrestler—the school’s first since 2003—demonstrating elite athletic versatility.
His professional journey began in football as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers (2020–22), including practice squad stints and COVID-19 list placements, before a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022.
Dominating MMA: 6–0 and Climbing
Shifting focus to mixed martial arts, Hokit signed with Bellator MMA in early 2023. He quickly established a perfect record:
- Bellator 300 (Oct 2023): Victory via arm-triangle choke in Round 3.
- Bellator Champions Series 4 (Sep 2024): Second-round armbar submission.
In 2025, under the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) banner, he stormed through three fights, including both knockouts and submissions, to reach 5–0 before his pivotal performance in Dana White’s Contender Series. On August 19, 2025, Hokit earned a UFC contract after a second-round TKO finish against Guilherme Uriel.
ESPN currently lists him at 6–0, with a perfectly balanced record of three wins by knockout and three by submission. He trains out of Jackson-Wink MMA and is ranked among the top heavyweights in the U.S. West region .
Spotlight: What’s Fueling His Rise
Versatility: His transition from NCAA wrestling and college football to MMA is seamless—his wrestling base provides strong grappling, while football shaped his explosiveness and work ethic.
Finishing Ability: With a 100% finish rate through six fights (50% KO/TKO and 50% submissions), he’s a proven finisher whose matches end emphatically.
Momentum & Marketability: Unbeaten with a UFC contract now in his hands. His standout persona and highlights make him a natural to watch in the heavyweight division.
Social Buzz & Commentary
Hokit’s candid post-fight interviews and strong social media presence reinforce his persona. His Instagram profile proudly states “UFC ATHLETE 6-0 • FORMER NFL ATHLETE • 2× Div. 1 ALL-AMERICAN WRESTLER”, reflecting pride in his journey and appeal beyond just fight stats.
Meanwhile, fan reactions on Reddit have been mixed—some reels mock the fight matchmaking or his post-fight soundbites, while others celebrate his potential or hope to see him rise and get tested at MMA’s top level .
What’s Next for Josh Hokit?
- UFC Debut: Expectations high for a debut against a ranked heavyweight; finishing style will be must-see.
- Ranking trajectory: With a 6–0 start, he may enter early promotional talks for rankings placement.
- Fan and media narrative: Continued charismatic presence and highlight finishes will drive his brand off the canvas too.