Curtis Blaydes believes he knows a direction Josh Hokit should consider to maximize his potential.
Blaydes knows what it’s like to share the Octagon with “The Incredible Hok.” The two did battle in an entertaining heavyweight scrap on the UFC 327 card back in April. While Blaydes dropped a unanimous decision, he did share “Fight of the Night” honors with Hokit, so the bonus softened the blow of defeat just a tad bit.
Hokit is now scheduled to face Derrick Lewis on Sunday on the historic UFC Freedom 250 card. Ahead of the fight, Curtis Blaydes spoke to MMAFighting.com and he suggested that even if he emerges victorious this weekend, Hokit should consider a move down to light heavyweight.
“He has a good young, jaw,” Blaydes said. “You do that three or four times, that jaw is going to be gone. I don’t think he do that at heavyweight a bunch of times. He might better served going down to light heavyweight because they don’t hit as hard. Yeah, they’re faster but he’s got the wrestling. I don’t know if he can maintain, especially if he wants to fight the way that we just did, like if he uses the wrestling more and relies on that yeah, but then again he’s a smaller heavyweight.
“I just think long term, if I was his manager or his brother or whatever, someone in his circle, I would be having serious discussions about let’s give it a year but let’s think about going down to light heavyweight.”
Hokit has been gaining momentum thanks to his outspoken personality and his antics outside of the Octagon. He was even kicked out of the first UFC Freedom 250 presser after hurling personal digs at Alex Pereira and even UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria.
While some believe Hokit does have the potential to ascend beyond a top five spot in the rankings, there are those who feel he is undersized at heavyweight. Time will tell how long Hokit continues to find success in his current division.
Do you think Josh Hokit should seriously consider a move down to 205 pounds, or should he keep riding the wave at heavyweight until the wheels fall off? Drop a comment below.
