Josh Hokit is set to face Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 after making a strong impression in his first two UFC fights. Following his victory on Dana White’s Contender Series last August, Hokit has quickly risen through the ranks, securing impressive knockouts that have earned him this opportunity.
Hokit claimed a 56-second knockout over Max Gimenis in November and kept his momentum with another first-round finish at UFC 324 in January. These performances have propelled the 28-year-old to a significant matchup against Blaydes, a former title contender.
Bout Details and Opponent Background
UFC 327, scheduled to take place in Miami, will also feature flyweight champion Joshua Van defending his title against Tatsuro Taira in the main event. Alongside this, UFC has revealed several additional fights, including the heavyweight clash between Hokit and Blaydes.
Blaydes recently rebounded from a July 2024 loss to Tom Aspinall at UFC 304 by narrowly defeating Rizvan Kuniev via split decision the following June. Currently ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, Blaydes stands as a challenging test for the unranked Hokit.
This fight aligns with UFC’s evolving matchmaking strategy that emphasizes stylistic matchups, which could benefit Hokit as he faces a highly regarded opponent far up the rankings.
I know what you want from me so God, I’m sending company,
Hokit stated in an Instagram post regarding the upcoming bout.
Potential Title Implications for Hokit
The current heavyweight division is often viewed as the UFC’s weakest, a notable shift from its historically dominant status. Given this context, a victory over Blaydes could position Hokit as a leading contender for the heavyweight title.
With the division in flux and several top fighters sidelined due to injury, Hokit’s rapid rise and finishing ability make this an important moment in his career. Success at UFC 327 might not only elevate his ranking but also set the stage for a title shot in the near future.
