UFC loudmouth praises Ilia Topuria's bravery, but vows: 'I would knock him out'

Ilia Topuria was defeated by Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC Casa Branca . Photo: UFC Europe / X

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Josh Hokit admires Ilia Topuria 's bravery , but has no doubt that he would come out on top in a potential confrontation between the two. Scheduled to face Ciryl Gane at UFC 334, the American had a heated exchange with the Spaniard during a press conference promoting UFC Casa Branca . In the heavyweight's (up to 120,2 kg) view, if the discussion escalated into a fight, the size difference would be a decisive factor in his favor.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Hokit questioned Topuria's attitude in provoking him, highlighting that he is about to fight for the heavyweight title while the Spaniard was champion in the featherweight category (up to 65,8 kg) and the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg).

“You see guys like Ilia Topuria talking shit to me. I’m a heavyweight and I’m about to be the heavyweight champion. Why is a 65kg champion talking like that to a heavyweight? It’s a different era. You’re on instinct,” said Josh Hokit.

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Hokit also reinforced his confidence that he could defeat Topuria in a fight, even stating that he would wipe the Spaniard off the face of the Earth. The fighter also criticized the attitude of those who, according to him, use the belt as a kind of protection to maintain the image of a "tough guy".

“I would wipe you off the face of the Earth. But now you can hide behind a belt and play the tough guy. Don't get me wrong. The heavyweight is the most dangerous man on the planet. I'm trying to bring that mentality back,” the loudmouth concluded.

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