Who Is Josh Hokit?
Josh Hokit is an American professional mixed martial artist, former football player, and accomplished wrestler who has quickly become one of the most talked-about heavyweight fighters in the UFC. Known for his athletic background, powerful wrestling skills, and larger-than-life personality, Hokit has built a reputation as one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.
Born as Joshua Seth Hokit on November 12, 1997, in Bakersfield, California, he grew up with a passion for sports and excelled in both football and wrestling from a young age. Today, he is recognized not only for his success inside the octagon but also for his unique ability to entertain fans outside of it.
Early Life and Education
Josh Hokit spent much of his childhood in California, where he developed into a standout athlete at Clovis High School. During his high school years, he earned national recognition in wrestling while also making a significant impact on the football field.
His impressive athletic abilities opened doors to college opportunities, and he eventually attended Fresno State University. Rather than focusing on a single sport, Hokit took on the rare challenge of competing in both Division I football and Division I wrestling simultaneously.
This dual-sport experience helped shape the toughness, discipline, and work ethic that would later become the foundation of his MMA career.
Josh Hokit’s Wrestling Career
Before becoming an MMA fighter, wrestling was arguably Josh Hokit’s strongest sport. At Fresno State, he developed into one of the program’s top competitors and earned All-American honors.
His wrestling accomplishments included:
NCAA Success
- Competing at the Division I level
- Becoming an All-American wrestler
- Recording multiple winning seasons
- Establishing himself as one of Fresno State’s most accomplished wrestlers in recent years
Wrestling remains one of the most important aspects of his fighting style. His ability to control opponents, secure takedowns, and dominate grappling exchanges can be traced directly to his collegiate wrestling background.
Football Career at Fresno State
While many athletes struggle to excel in one college sport, Josh Hokit successfully balanced football and wrestling.
At Fresno State, he played several positions, including:
- Fullback
- Running back
- Linebacker
- Special teams contributor
Throughout his football career, Hokit became known for his versatility and physical style of play. His coaches often praised his willingness to contribute wherever the team needed him most. He accumulated rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and leadership experience while helping the Bulldogs compete in the Mountain West Conference.
NFL Journey
After college, Josh Hokit pursued a professional football career.
San Francisco 49ers
Following the 2020 NFL Draft, Hokit signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. Although he did not secure a long-term roster spot, he spent time on the organization’s practice squad and continued developing as a professional athlete.
Arizona Cardinals
Hokit also had a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals before his football journey eventually came to an end.
While his NFL career was relatively short, the experience provided valuable lessons that helped prepare him for the next chapter of his athletic life.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
After football, Josh Hokit turned his attention to mixed martial arts.
His combination of:
- Elite wrestling
- Football strength
- Athleticism
- Competitive mindset
made MMA a natural fit.
In 2023, he signed with Bellator MMA and quickly demonstrated his grappling abilities by earning submission victories early in his professional career.
These performances attracted attention across the MMA world and paved the way for bigger opportunities.
Rise to the UFC
Josh Hokit’s breakthrough came through Dana White’s Contender Series, where he impressed UFC executives and earned a contract with the sport’s premier organization.
Once he entered the UFC, his rise was remarkably fast.
Key UFC Achievements
- Earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses
- Maintained an undefeated professional record
- Defeated increasingly tough competition
- Climbed into the UFC heavyweight rankings
- Became one of the division’s most talked-about prospects
His aggressive fighting style, confidence, and entertaining interviews helped him stand out in a crowded combat sports landscape.
Fighting Style and Strengths
One reason for Josh Hokit’s success is his well-rounded skill set.
Wrestling Dominance
His wrestling background allows him to dictate where fights take place. He can take opponents down, control positions, and neutralize dangerous strikers.
Physical Strength
Years of football training contributed to his explosive power and durability.
Cardio and Toughness
Unlike many heavyweights, Hokit has shown an ability to maintain a high pace throughout fights, making him a difficult matchup for opponents.
Personality and Public Image
Josh Hokit is known for more than just his athletic ability.
He often appears in interviews with an exaggerated and theatrical persona known as “The Incredible Hok.” His promotional style has generated both supporters and critics, helping him attract significant attention from fans and media alike.
Many observers believe his combination of fighting ability and entertainment value has contributed to his rapid rise in popularity.
Community discussions on Reddit frequently highlight both his athletic achievements and his unique personality, demonstrating how polarizing yet engaging he has become among MMA fans.
Recent Success and Growing Popularity
In 2026, Josh Hokit gained widespread attention after defeating top heavyweight contenders and positioning himself as a legitimate threat in the UFC heavyweight division. His performances against highly ranked opponents significantly increased his visibility among casual fans and MMA analysts.
His victory over veteran heavyweight Derrick Lewis further strengthened his reputation as one of the division’s emerging stars.
Interesting Facts About Josh Hokit
He Played Two Division I Sports
Few athletes compete at a high level in both football and wrestling, making Hokit’s college career especially unique.
He Pursued an NFL Career
Before entering MMA, he spent time with NFL organizations and worked to establish himself in professional football.
He Is Known as “The Incredible Hok”
This nickname has become a major part of his brand and public identity.
He Rose Quickly in MMA
Within only a few years of turning professional, Hokit advanced from a newcomer to a ranked UFC heavyweight contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Josh Hokit’s age?
Josh Hokit was born on November 12, 1997. As of 2026, he is 28 years old.
Where is Josh Hokit from?
He was born in Bakersfield, California, and later lived in Clovis, California.
Did Josh Hokit play in the NFL?
He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers and also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals organization.
What sport did Josh Hokit compete in before MMA?
Before MMA, he competed in both Division I wrestling and Division I football at Fresno State University.
Final Thoughts
Josh Hokit’s journey is a unique story of athletic versatility, determination, and ambition. From excelling in wrestling and football to pursuing an NFL opportunity and eventually becoming a rising UFC heavyweight contender, he has consistently embraced new challenges. His combination of elite wrestling, physical strength, and charismatic personality has helped him stand out in one of the toughest divisions in combat sports.
As his career continues to evolve, Josh Hokit remains one of the most intriguing athletes to watch in the world of mixed martial arts.
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