Josh Hokit is gearing up for the biggest opportunity of his young career as he prepares to challenge Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 334. The outspoken heavyweight has quickly become one of the promotion’s most talked-about fighters since earning his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025.
Hokit has gone 4-0 inside the Octagon, picking up three wins in just six months. His recent run includes a one-sided mauling of Derrick Lewis and a fight-of-the-year contender against Curtis Blaydes.
However, Hokit’s biggest selling point isn’t just his fighting ability. His over-the-top trash talk has generated plenty of controversy, and it appears UFC announcer Bruce Buffer isn’t a fan of what the heavyweight has to say when he grabs the mic.
Bruce Buffer Explains Why Josh Hokit’s Trash Talk Doesn’t Sit Well With Him
Hokit often portrays a split personality called “The Incredible Hok” as part of his gimmick. The heavyweight has made it clear that his outlandish persona and trash talk are part of how he sells fights.
However, that approach has not won him any favors with the voice of the Octagon. In a recent interview, Buffer admitted that he isn’t particularly fond of Hokit’s microphone work.
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He said, “You have a guy like Josh Hokit, a heavyweight. He can fight, but I don’t like what he talks about. I think he is disrespectful. And I am sorry, Josh, if you’re watching, but it’s just the way it is. It’s his thing, it’s his game, it’s just not my style.”
When asked what specifically bothered him about Hokit, Buffer pointed to the heavyweight’s controversial comments about Michelle Obama following his victory at the White House event in June.
He said, “It’s like, show some class; that is just the way I am. The things he said at the White House, I am sorry, but I did not appreciate that.”
Bruce Buffer admits he’s not a fan of Josh Hokit outside the octagon
“I don’t like what he talks about. He’s disrespectful. It’s like, show some class. The things he said at the White House, I didn’t appreciate that.
Young people today don’t have a lot of role models. We live in a decaying society the way people are acting.”
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) October 14, 2026
For those unfamiliar with the controversy, Hokit referred to Obama as a man, a remark that drew criticism for its discriminatory and sexist undertones. Dana White also condemned the comments, calling them inappropriate and moronic in a statement after the event.
Despite his personal dislike of Hokit’s trash talk, Buffer made it clear that it would never affect how he approaches his job inside the Octagon. The veteran announcer remains committed to giving every fighter the same professional treatment when they step into the cage.
He said, “And that’s not to put Josh down. But when I introduce him, when you step into that Octagon, man or woman, you are putting your blood, sweat, and life on the line; I am there to enhance that moment for you, and I will give you my all.”
Josh Hokit Calls Out Bruce Buffer for Hypocrisy Over His Trash Talk
True to form, Hokit wasted little time responding to Buffer. After the interview clip surfaced on X, the heavyweight fired back at the veteran announcer and questioned why his trash talk attracted criticism when other fighters had faced more serious controversies.
Replying to the clip, Hokit wrote, “I talk trash in the Octagon, but guys on this roster have actual criminal records and rape charges.”
He added, “I have no criminal record, yet I’m not classy enough? You realize we are in the gladiator business, right? Should men who try to kill other men really be your role model? Lol.”
I talk trash in the Octagon, but guys on this roster have actual criminal records and rape charges. I have no criminal record, yet I’m not classy enough?
You realize we are in the gladiator business, right? Should men who try to kill other men, really be your role model? lol
— The Incredible Hok (@Josh_HokitUFC) October 14, 2026
Hokit appeared to be referring to fighters such as Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, both of whom have faced legal controversies over the years. His response raised questions about whether the same standards of conduct apply to everyone on the UFC roster.
With Hokit now preparing for the biggest fight of his career at UFC 334, it remains to be seen whether the back-and-forth with Buffer will continue or whether the two will put their differences aside when the heavyweight challenger makes his walk to the Octagon.