TLDR
- Josh Hokit choked out a fan at a Paramount Peptide Solutions meet-and-greet event after the fan requested it
- The fan lost consciousness for several seconds and began convulsing before recovering
- Fans criticized Hokit and warned he could face legal action similar to past cases involving Nate Diaz and Matt Hughes
- Rival fighter Valter Walker defended Hokit’s abilities, saying fans underestimate him because of his trash talk
- Hokit faces Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight title on November 14 at UFC 334 in Madison Square Garden
Sources: yardbarker.com | thebodylockmma.com
UFC heavyweight title contender Josh Hokit has drawn criticism after choking out a fan until he lost consciousness during a meet-and-greet event. The incident occurred at a Paramount Peptide Solutions event where Hokit was meeting with supporters.
A viral video shows a fan asking Hokit to put him in a submission hold. The 28-year-old fighter responded by applying a rear-naked choke that rendered the man unconscious after about five seconds.
After releasing the hold, Hokit lowered the fan to the floor. The man then began convulsing as a result of the choke.
Hokit initially joked that someone else in the crowd was “next” to be choked out. He appeared nervous moments later when he noticed the fan shaking on the ground.
The fan regained consciousness and drank some water before interacting with others at the event. Hokit asked if the man was okay and hugged him afterward.
🚨 Josh Hokit Just dropped some words of wisdom ‼️😅
🗣“If you're stupid, if you're retarded, if you got low IQ gang thank God right now
Because you're stupid enough to take the risk. Where the high IQ. He's in his mind. He's overthinking. He's too scared to risk it. Too… pic.twitter.com/7fGwRKC1ZG
— FightLuck (@FightluckBet) September 27, 2026
Fans Warn of Legal Consequences
The incident sparked immediate backlash on social media. Many fans criticized Hokit for performing the stunt just six weeks before his scheduled title fight against Ciryl Gane on November 14 at UFC 334.
Some fans warned that Hokit could face a lawsuit over the incident. One commenter referenced a past case involving Matt Hughes that allegedly cost the fighter $250,000.
Others pointed to Nate Diaz’s 2023 street altercation in New Orleans. Diaz was arrested on second-degree battery charges after choking influencer Rodney Peterson unconscious, and Peterson later filed a civil lawsuit.
UFC lightweight Jared Gordon recently declined to respond physically to an internet troll, citing concerns about potential legal action. These examples have established precedent for fighters facing consequences when physical altercations occur outside the cage.
Legal experts note that Hokit’s situation differs because the fan specifically requested to be submitted. This consent factor may protect the fighter from liability.
Rival Defends Hokit’s Fighting Abilities
Despite the controversy, fellow heavyweight Valter Walker has defended Hokit ahead of his title fight. Walker and Hokit have been rivals in the past but Walker says fans underestimate Hokit based on his personality.
“I think people underestimate Josh Hokit because how he talks a lot of sh*t, people take him as a clown,” Walker said. He added that Hokit trains hard and knows what he’s doing in the cage.
Walker believes Ciryl Gane will not have an easy fight against Hokit. He respects Hokit’s training ethic and fighting skills despite their past conflicts.
However, Walker stopped short of predicting that Hokit would become champion. He suggested that while Hokit can present problems for Gane, he has doubts about a full championship run.
The fight comes after Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight championship. This gives both Gane and Hokit a clear path to becoming the undisputed champion.
Hokit has become known for controversial behavior throughout his career. He previously failed to complete an armbar submission against Derrick Lewis at UFC White House, which led to questions about his submission skills.
The meet-and-greet incident adds another chapter to Hokit’s controversial reputation as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career. UFC 334 takes place on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
