Josh Hokit Says He Won’t Trade Power Shots With Derrick Lewis
Josh Hokit is not pretending he wants a reckless striking battle with Derrick Lewis.
Ahead of a potential fight with the UFC heavyweight knockout artist, Hokit made it clear that he respects Lewis’ power too much to stand in front of him and trade heavy shots.
“I’m not tryna stand and bang with Derrick Lewis,” Hokit said. “I’m pretty stupid, but I’m not that stupid.”
It was a funny line, but also an honest one. Hokit understands exactly what kind of danger Lewis brings, and he knows that fighting emotionally against “The Black Beast” would be a major mistake.
Hokit Knows Lewis’ Power Is Not a Game
Derrick Lewis has built his career around fight-ending power.
Even when opponents are winning minutes, Lewis can change everything with one clean shot. That is why many fighters try to stay disciplined against him. Standing still, trading wild punches, or giving him easy openings can quickly become a bad idea.
Hokit seems fully aware of that.
Instead of trying to prove toughness by fighting Lewis’ type of fight, he is talking like someone who wants to be smart. That may not sound as exciting as promising a brawl, but it is the right mindset against a heavyweight with Lewis’ finishing ability.
Hokit knows he needs a real plan.
That could mean movement, wrestling, pressure in the right moments, clinch control, or simply avoiding unnecessary exchanges. Whatever the strategy is, the message is clear: he does not want to make the fight easy for Lewis.
“Nobody Wants to Lose to a Guy Like Me”
Hokit also admitted that he understands how opponents may view him.
“Nobody wants to lose to a guy like me, that’s the reality,” Hokit said. “And that makes the victory that much greater.”
That line shows confidence, but also self-awareness.
Hokit knows he may not be the biggest name in the division yet. He knows some fighters may see him as a dangerous risk without the same reward as facing an established contender. But that is exactly what makes the opportunity powerful for him.
If he beats someone like Derrick Lewis, it would instantly change how fans and fighters talk about him.
Lewis is a known name, a fan favorite, and one of the most dangerous heavyweights in UFC history. A win over him would be more than just another result. It would be a statement that Hokit belongs in bigger conversations.
The most interesting part of Hokit’s comments is that he is not trying to sound invincible.
He is not saying Lewis has no chance. He is not acting like he can easily beat him in every area. Instead, he is admitting that Lewis is dangerous and that he must avoid making a foolish mistake.
That kind of honesty can be important.
Heavyweight fights are often decided by one moment. One bad decision, one rushed exchange, or one open defensive mistake can change everything. Hokit appears to understand that beating Lewis requires discipline, not ego.
Josh Hokit’s comments about Derrick Lewis show a fighter who knows the danger in front of him.
He is not interested in standing and trading power shots with one of the hardest hitters in the sport. Instead, he wants to fight smart, avoid Lewis’ biggest weapon, and earn the kind of win that would make people take notice.
Hokit also understands that opponents may not want to lose to someone like him.
That is what makes the challenge even bigger.
A win over Derrick Lewis would not just be a victory — it would be a major career statement.
