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Dana White Admits Disliking Josh Hokit's Persona, Matched Him Against Tough Opponents

Dana White Admits Disliking Josh Hokit's Persona, Matched Him Against Tough Opponents
World Sports · 18:29:28 - Saturday, 7 November 2026

UFC President Dana White revealed he was not a fan of Josh Hokit's personality and fighting style, leading him to deliberately match the fighter against difficult opposition. White made the comments during a recent media appearance, explaining that Hokit's "schtick" — his on-screen persona and approach — did not resonate with him.

As a result, White said he "threw some tough guys" at Hokit to test the fighter's legitimacy. The admission offers rare insight into how UFC matchmaking can be influenced by promotional considerations beyond pure rankings or competitive merit.

Hokit, a former collegiate wrestler who transitioned to mixed martial arts, has built a following partly through his social media presence and distinctive character. White's remarks highlight the tension between entertainment value and sporting credibility in modern MMA promotion.

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