Josh Hokit risks undermining what he’s built so far. Barely into his second UFC fight, the former college football tight end earned the wrath of fans during a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. He made unsavory comments about heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta, who is set to fight on the main card. But Hokit, who secured his second TKO by defeating Denzel Freeman on the preliminary card of Paramount+ UFC 324, didn’t stop at the cage.

Riding an 8-0 unbeaten streak in MMA, the former Bellator fighter’s confidence may have gotten the better of him, leading to comments about WNBA center Brittney Griner. The attempt backfired, as fans, social media users, and a few well-known names called him out for the stunt.

Josh Hokit shocks UFC fans and Joe Rogan with WNBA comment

“I can strangle lightning and mangle thunder,” Hokit said, sporting dark glasses and a bandana. His style reminded some of WWE icon “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Joe Rogan struggled to hide his smile. After claiming he could end “world hunger,” Hokit labeled the heavyweight division a collection of “Tweedle-dees & Tweedledums,” then zeroed in on Cortes-Acosta.

“I got one name on my mind – he’s a deadbeat father, not to one kid, but to nine – Waldo Cortes-Acosta, you absolutely suck,” he said. “That’s the bottom line.” If anyone thought Hokit was done, they were wrong. The California native added, “And PS: Brittney Griner is a man.” He moved away from Rogan, who shouted, “I think we heard it all,” as the crowd erupted in cheers and boos.

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Later, as he returned to his commentary booth, Rogan remarked, “Brittney Griner catching strays,” before adding, “She doesn’t deserve that.” Hokit’s words quickly sparked a torrent of online reactions. To Chael Sonnen, Josh Hokit’s words, aura, and antics resonated with the vibe that made him famous once.

But not all were on board with the former title challenger-turned-MMA analyst’s confidence. Here’s how a few fans and users reacted.

Social media roasts Hokit after post-fight comments at UFC 324

Sports betting writer Adam Martin wrote that Hokit’s call-out of Waldo Cortes-Acosta was unwarranted: “Josh ‘Chael Sonnen’ Hokit calls out Waldo Cortes-Acosta, who he calls a deadbeat dad with 9 kids. Yikes 🫣.” One may call out a fighter to raise the bar and elevate their position, but what’s the need to involve the family life?

A fan simply wondered about Hokit’s reasons for targeting Griner. “Lmaoooo, bro, Josh Hokit is nuts. Dude, why did Brittney Griner catch a crazy stray?” they said.

Another found Hokit’s post-fight interview distasteful. They wrote, “This post-fight interview is awful. This isn’t WWE; Josh Hokit is a dork, and I hope I never see him again.” While they may not want to see Hokit get the win, the heavyweight seems to have won over a few supporters who would like to see him return.

Hokit’s gimmicks scored a few hits, with some users finding him ‘hilarious.’ “Josh Hokit’s fight and promo after were hilarious. What a start to Paramount UFC,” said one. Echoing similar sentiments, another added, “Josh Hokit is an athlete. And looking like he might be a new heel in the division.” Perhaps with his trash-talking heel in the heavyweight division, he is the kind of fighter fans will either cheer or boo loudly.

Nonetheless, it seems Josh Hokit has made himself the main focus more through his words than his knockout win, which a few labeled as a win via “middle finger.”

His gimmicks may soon be forgotten. What’s more significant is whether the 49ers draft reject can prove himself in the Octagon through more decisive wins. Otherwise, he will only be remembered as a fighter who just managed to rattle the cage.