TLDR
- Ilia Topuria threw a bottle cap at Josh Hokit during a White House press conference after Hokit allegedly insulted Alex Pereira’s family
- Topuria joked his accurate throw proved why he’s ‘the best in the world’ and said he barely knows who Hokit is
- The lightweight champion defended Pereira because the Brazilian fighter doesn’t understand English
- Topuria faces Justin Gaethje in the upcoming White House card fight in a few weeks
- The Spanish fighter wants to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan next if he wins against Gaethje
Sources: yardbarker.com | yardbarker.com
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria joked about his accuracy after throwing a bottle cap at heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit during a White House press conference. The moment went viral on social media and sparked conversations across the MMA community.
Topuria defended his actions by saying Hokit crossed a line during the event. According to the Spanish fighter, Hokit spoke poorly about Alex Pereira’s family while the Brazilian champion stood nearby.
Since Pereira doesn’t understand English, Topuria stepped in to defend him. The 29-year-old threw a bottle cap across the room that landed perfectly on Hokit, creating a moment that fans quickly shared online.
JOSH HOKIT JUST WENT OFF ON ALEX PEREIRA AND ILIA TOPURIA… OH MY GOD 😭
JOSH HOKIT HAD TO GET TAKEN OFF THE STAGE
🗣️ Hokit: "I'm gonna Chama on yo mama. Look how I speak to him, like my dog, like my b*tch. F*CK YOU."
🗣️ Ilia: "F*ck you little b*tch. Sit down."
🗣️ Hokit:… https://t.co/L8zbzaoiMa pic.twitter.com/aPmYFpV8aK
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 8, 2026
Topuria Jokes About His Precision
During an interview with CCLegaspi, Topuria laughed off the incident and used it to brag about his skills. “That’s why I’m the best in the world,” he said. “It would be bad if I were not sharp.”
The lightweight champion made it clear he had little interest in Hokit before the incident. “I really have no idea who [Hokit] is,” Topuria said. “Don’t even know where he appeared from. I know that he is rude.”
Fans responded to the viral moment by creating AI videos showing Topuria and Hokit fighting in the octagon. However, “El Matador” completely dismissed “The Incredible Hok,” saying he barely knew who the heavyweight was.
Topuria is now focused on his upcoming fight against Justin Gaethje. The bout takes place in just a few weeks at the White House card.
Future Plans Include Tsarukyan Fight
The Spanish fighter has his sights set beyond the Gaethje match. He wants to face Arman Tsarukyan in his next title defense if he wins the upcoming bout.
Tsarukyan and several other MMA fighters have accused Topuria of avoiding a fight with the Armenian competitor. Topuria responded by saying the UFC never offered him the match.
CCLegaspi revealed Topuria’s plans in a recent statement. “He really wants to fight Arman,” CCLegaspi said. “If there’s one title defense, he’ll want it to be against Arman next.”
The source added that a victory over Gaethje would make the Tsarukyan fight undeniable. “I think if Ilia wins, Arman Tsarukyan will be the next title defense and then we’ll see what happens after that,” CCLegaspi explained.
Topuria believes a fight with Tsarukyan would settle all questions about who is the best lightweight in the world. After that potential bout, the champion could finally face Islam Makhachev.
The incident at the White House press conference added to Topuria’s growing reputation as a fighter who stands up for his fellow competitors. His defense of Pereira earned praise from fans who appreciated his loyalty to a fellow champion.
Topuria’s training camp for the Gaethje fight continues as the White House card approaches. The lightweight champion remains focused on his preparation despite the viral distraction from the press conference.
