Hokit's Wrestling Edge Targets Nemkov in Heavyweight Landscape
In the heavy division, Josh Hokit stands as the sole threat capable of grounding the PFL's elite, according to a former UFC champion.
The canvas mat lies flat and silent, the air thick with the scent of chalk and leather. A pair of heavy-duty gloves rests on the surface, their worn knuckles hinting at the violence contained within. This is the domain of the heavyweight division, a space currently marked by uncertainty as Tom Aspinall recovers from injury. Alex Pereira’s ascent from the middleweight ranks ended abruptly at UFC Freedom 250, where Ciryl Gane dismantled his bid for the belt. The division breathes, waiting for the next shockwave.
Amidst the shifting tides of the UFC, a specific name rises above the noise. Josh Thomson, a former star who knows the weight class intimately, points a finger at Josh Hokit. According to Thomson, Hokit is the only fighter in the heavy division who can genuinely trouble Vadim Nemkov. The assessment stems from a deep respect for Nemkov’s potential, yet it is anchored in the specific, grappling-heavy skill set that Hokit brings to the octagon.
Thomson Sees Nemkov As Future Champion
Vadim Nemkov sits at number three in the PFL heavyweight rankings, a position that has sparked rumors of a move to the UFC. Thomson, who has watched the landscape evolve, believes Nemkov possesses the raw talent to claim the UFC title. He suggests that Nemkov’s hesitation to cross over may be tied to the complex relationship between his mentor, Fedor Emelianenko, and the organization. Yet, Thomson’s confidence in Nemkov’s future is not unconditional. He sees a specific wall that the Russian veteran might hit, one built not by striking power, but by the relentless pressure of a top-tier wrestler.
“Give me those guys outside the UFC,” Thomson said on the Weighing In Podcast, his voice carrying the weight of experience. “Maybe Vadim Nemkov didn’t want to come because of the relationship of Fedor with the UFC. He is a great heavyweight. I think he gets it done and becomes a UFC champion. The guy he would struggle against is Josh Hokit because of the wrestling.” The statement is a clear demarcation line. It positions Hokit not just as a contender, but as the specific counter-narrative to the striking-dominated profile of the current elite.
Hokit Challenges Pereira's Title Demands
The tension in the division is palpable, fueled by Alex Pereira’s recent demand for a rematch with Ciryl Gane. Pereira argued that the bout is the most logical next step for his heavyweight career. Josh Hokit, known for his unfiltered online presence, rejected this premise with force. On social media, ‘The Incredible Hok’ lashed out at the Brazilian, questioning the logic of seeking another title shot without a single win at the current weight class. He suggested a more favorable matchup against Sergei Pavlovich, a fighter he viewed as a less athletic, more strikers-based opponent compared to Gane.
“As a fan, that fight makes no fucking sense,” Hokit wrote on X, his words sharp and direct. “I watched you get demolished. How about a more favorable match up like Sergei who is basically a striker & way less athletic than Ciryl. How about you get one fucking win in this weight class before you are gifted another title shot.” The critique was not merely a tactical observation; it was a challenge to the hierarchy. Hokit positioned himself as the arbiter of merit, demanding that fighters earn their place through victory rather than reputation.
Shallow Depth In Heavyweight Ranks
Thomson’s broader assessment of the division reveals a concerning lack of depth. He argues that only a handful of fighters stand out at the top tier, including Pereira, Gane, Aspinall, and Hokit. This thinning of the ranks creates a fragile ecosystem where one injury or loss can shift the entire balance of power. The current landscape is defined by these few pillars, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. The potential clash between Nemkov and Hokit represents a test of these differing philosophies, a collision of striking excellence and grappling dominance.
As the UFC looks to fill the void left by Aspinall’s recovery, the eyes turn to the PFL and the untested waters of the heavyweight class. The conversation, as reported by GN sports/mma, centers on who can truly deliver. Hokit’s willingness to engage with Pereira, while prioritizing his own title shot, signals a fighter who is both ambitious and selective. The division waits, the gloves rest on the mat, and the next move will define the era.
