Josh Hokit Climbs to Top 5 UFC Heavyweight Rankings After Blaydes Victory
UFC heavyweight newcomer Josh Hokit has made a significant impact, ascending into the top 5 of the divisional rankings following his thrilling victory against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.
Last weekend, Josh Hokit made a powerful statement. Under the bright lights in Miami, he engaged in a back-and-forth battle with a top UFC heavyweight, Curtis Blaydes. Despite facing considerable challenges, Hokit secured a crucial decision win, immediately positioning himself as a contender.
While other prominent heavyweights remain in contention, Hokit is set for another significant test at UFC Freedom 250. He is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis, renowned as one of mixed martial arts' most formidable knockout artists.
According to the official UFC.com rankings, Hokit's recent win has earned him a spot in the heavyweight rankings.
👏 📊 Josh Hokit goes from unranked to Top-5 UFC Heavyweight with a win over Curtis Blaydes.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 14, 2026
Looks like he might be one fight away from a title shot. pic.twitter.com/KaBk7ZGny2
Josh Hokit Joins Top 5 of UFC Heavyweight Rankings
The current UFC heavyweight rankings are as follows:
- C – Tom Aspinall
- 1 – Ciryl Gane
- 2 – Alexander Volkov
- 3 – Sergei Pavlovich
- 4 – Waldo Cortes Acosta
- 5 – Josh Hokit (Previously Unranked)
- 6 – Serghei Spivac
- 6 – Curtis Blaydes (Down 1 spot)
- 8 – Rizvan Kuniev (Down 1 spot)
- 9 – Derrick Lewis (Down 1 spot)
- 10 – Ante Delija (Down 1 spot)
- 11 – Tyrell Fortune (Down 1 spot)
- 12 – Marcin Tybura (Down 1 spot)
- 13 – Tallison Teixeira (Down 1 spot)
- 14 – Mick Parkin
- 15 – Shamil Gaziev (Down 2 spots)
At just 28 years old, Hokit is remarkably young for the heavyweight division. His speed and agility have been compared to a select few other heavyweights in recent history, including the current champion, Tom Aspinall.
While his personality might not resonate with everyone, a significant victory in a high-profile bout could propel him to superstardom. Despite the inherent unpredictability of striking-heavy divisions, Hokit's career trajectory promises to be captivating.
For Blaydes, this loss signifies a need to reassess and identify areas for improvement within the constantly evolving heavyweight landscape.
Fresh materials — MMA News
Donald Trump Discusses UFC White House Event During McDonald's Delivery
President Donald Trump used a McDonald's delivery to the White House as an opportunity for an impromptu press briefing. During the event, he promoted his "no tax on tips" initiative, suggested a potential new name for the planned UFC card at the White House, and addressed questions regarding th
LT Nelson Targets Early Stoppage at BKB 53: “Time for Him to Sleep”
LT Nelson is set to defend his middleweight championship against Mark Tiffin at BKB 53: The Harder They Fall on April 17th. This bout continues Nelson's impressive streak of defeating prominent UK-based bare-knuckle boxers in his illustrious career. Reflecting on his upcoming clash with T
Carlos Ulberg Calls Jiri Prochazka a 'Pretender,' Denies Mercy Claim and Updates Leg Injury
Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg has voiced strong criticism of Jiri Prochazka, labeling him a "pretender" and dismissing Prochazka's suggestion that he showed mercy during their championship bout at UFC 327. Ulberg, who secured the title despite suffering a severe le
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje: Betting Odds Analysis
Ilia Topuria enters the White House title unification bout against Justin Gaethje as a favored champion, with betting markets indicating confidence in his abilities. However, the odds also suggest that Gaethje's signature chaotic style still poses a significant threat in a five-round main even
Gable Steveson Predicts "Biggest Debut on Earth" for His UFC Entry
Gable Steveson has expressed his excitement and anticipation for his upcoming UFC debut, which is slated to occur during this year's International Fight Week. Having recently joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster, Steveson has demonstrated a promising start to his mixed martial
Jiri Prochazka Takes Responsibility for UFC 327 Loss, Vows to Return Stronger
Jiri Prochazka, a prominent figure in the UFC's light heavyweight division, has chosen not to offer any excuses following his recent defeat in the main event of UFC 327. The fight's trajectory seemed to favor Prochazka early on when Carlos Ulberg appeared to sustain a knee injury. However,