UFC 327, The Morning After: Certified Crazy, Bonafide Contender

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 11: Josh Hokit of the United States looks on after his victory via unanimous decision over Curtis Blaydes of the United States, not pictured, in a heavyweight bout during UFC 327 at the Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images UFC 327 was a memorable card filled with wild moments, but Josh Hokit ’s arrival as an elite Heavyweight may stand the test of time more than the rest of the event ( watch highlights ). I can’t even say Hokit talked a big game leading up to his main card matchup versus Curtis Blaydes , as “big” doesn’t accurately describe the weirdness of his pre-fight personas.

Sometimes, Hokit was yelling wildly in a truly bad Mexican accent, while other moments saw Hokit jittery, nervously whispering to himself about how he was going to get beat up. It almost crossed the line from rage bait to performance art . Fortunately, Hokit’s performance in the cage is much easier to describe.

In a single word: great! What else would you call it when a prospect with just eight professional fights to his name gets in the face of a former world title challenger to score a bloody, decisive victory? That’s an outstanding result for any level of experience, let alone a young up-and-comer.

There’s a lot to like about Hokit as an athlete. Right away, Hokit’s hand speed jumps off the screen. He was tagging Blaydes with right hands almost immediately, putting fist to target before Blaydes could even begin to throw his jab.