Dana White reiterates disapproval of the 'new Sonnen's' bizarre behavior, but acknowledges his value as a fighter.

Dana White at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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It seems that, little by little, Dana White is changing his perception of the braggart Josh Hokit, who relies on WWE, the world's largest pro-wrestling organization, to promote his fights, and the first step was taken at UFC 327. At the event held last Saturday (11), in Miami (USA), the MMA prospect surprised and surpassed Curtis blaydes In an epic battle valid for the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). As the duel pleased fans and professionals of the sport, the official sought to update his view regarding the bad boy.

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In the post-UFC 327 press conference, the organization's president, impressed with Hokit's performance against the wrestler, praised him. And rightly so, considering the fight was so insane that the athletes threw a total of 395 strikes, 351 of which were significant attacks. Thus, the pair set a new record for three-round fights in heavyweight history and also the third-highest combined total in any three-round bout in the company.

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It's worth highlighting that, before the event, Dana White made it clear that he dislikes Hokit's exaggerated style and disapproves of his behavior. For those who don't know, the former American football player is inspired by Hulk Hogan, delivers prepared and unusual speeches, wears extravagant outfits, and tends to irritate his opponents with harsh provocations. It's true that the UFC president still wants to distance himself from that persona, but he acknowledged that the "bad boy" is not just talk, but a real fighter.

“Yes, I am one of them (critics). He fulfilled his promise. When people say stupid things and create characters, that's not my style. But nothing but respect for both of them. That fight was unbelievable. And you won't hear another word from me about him from now on. He stood by what he said. It's one thing to have a character and just talk,” said the club official.

“It’s a whole different story to fight the number five in the world, who was a dangerous guy, and do what he did to him. After he stepped into the octagon, we forgot all that. Everyone was going crazy, saying it was one of the greatest heavyweight fights they’d ever seen,” he concluded.

Hokit's Fighters in MMA

Hokit promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Josh Hokit, 28, is undefeated in MMA and is rapidly rising in the UFC heavyweight division. The American began his career in the sport in 2023, was discovered through the Contender Series program, debuted in the company in 2025, and has already reached fifth place in the division's rankings.

In this fighting style, the bad boy competed in nine fights and won them all, eight of them by stoppage (five by knockout and three by submission). His main victory was against Curtis blaydes.