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Keep your eyes on this Heavyweight prospect…
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to “Sin City” this weekend (Sat., Jan. 24, 2026) for its first-ever Paramount+ event, UFC 324, which goes down inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett collide for the interim Lightweight title in a bout that promises pure chaos.
Check out UFC 324’s full card here.
There’s no shortage of intriguing up-and-comers sprinkled throughout the lineup, but if you’re looking for one prospect you absolutely need to pay attention to, look no further.
Former San Francisco 49ers practice squad member and standout college wrestler Josh Hokit burst onto the MMA scene when he earned a UFC contract on Season 9 of Contender Series, dominating Guilherme Uriel before finishing him in the second round. While the performance was impressive, Hokit immediately caught flak for his post-fight interview — with some fans branding him a cringey Colby Covington/Sean Strickland knockoff.
Love him or hate him, Hokit backed it up in his UFC debut.
“The Incredible Hok” needed just 56 seconds to knock out Max Gimenis in his promotional debut (watch highlights), instantly reminding everyone that he’s more than just a microphone merchant. He did cut another promo afterward, but this time it felt more like a playful homage to Chael Sonnen rather than forced shock value.
And honestly, the UFC Heavyweight division could use it.
In a weight class starving for both contenders and personality, Hokit brings a refreshing shot of energy. His wrestling is his clear bread and butter — and a damn good one at that — which should carry him far against less disciplined big men. But his striking is also coming along nicely, thanks to training at the iconic JacksonWink MMA camp.
Hokit enters UFC 324 with a pristine 100 percent finish rate, boasting seven stoppages — four knockouts and three submissions.
The big question, however, is what happens when he can’t rely on his wrestling?
That scenario could play out this weekend when he takes on Denzel Freeman, a fellow wrestler who may actually be the stronger grappler. If Hokit is forced into extended striking exchanges, we’ll finally get a clearer picture of his ceiling.
Still, Hokit has youth, athleticism, and momentum on his side — and at Heavyweight, sometimes that’s all you need. Oddsmakers seem to agree, installing him as a -225 favorite.
One thing feels inevitable, though: if Hokit gets his hand raised, Paramount+ better have the bleep button ready when he grabs the microphone.
To checkout the latest and greatest UFC 324 news and notes click here.
