Dustin Poirier praised Josh Hokit for his impressive performance at UFC 327, comparing him to Conor McGregor for backing up his trash talk. Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes and earned $200K, solidifying his status in the heavyweight division.
Dustin Poirier praised Josh Hokit for backing up everything he said at UFC 327.
Hokit (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was in full character mode during fight week ahead of his big opportunity against top-ranked heavyweight Curtis Blaydes (19-6 MMA, 14-6 UFC). He taunted Blaydes plenty, and even tried to go at headliners Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka.
While many weren't amused by his persona, Hokit's performance against Blaydes on Saturday's main card at Kaseya Center in Miami left them thinking otherwise. Hokit outlasted Blaydes in an all-out war, which left him $200K richer.
"When stars start to align, you've seen it in Conor (McGregor), when you talk the talk and you walk the walk," Poirier said on "About Last Fight." "You've seen it in 'Suga' Sean (O'Malley). You've seen Chael Sonnen. We've seen it time and time again where guys talk the talk and walk the walk, and (Hokit) just did it this week. He talked a big game and he went out there and put on one of the best heavyweight fights we've seen and got his hand raised. Good things happen, you become a star."
Not only did Hokit walk away with two bonuses, but he was immediately booked for a fight against Derrick Lewis (29-13 MMA, 20-11 UFC) at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 from the White House.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC analyst: Josh Hokit backed up talk like Conor McGregor
Dustin Poirier praised Josh Hokit for backing up his trash talk and compared him to Conor McGregor for his performance against Curtis Blaydes.
Josh Hokit earned $200,000 for his victory against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.
Josh Hokit's fight against Curtis Blaydes was significant as it showcased an intense battle and marked Hokit's rise in the heavyweight division, earning him recognition and a financial reward.
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