TLDR
- Valter Walker believes Josh Hokit is being underestimated before his UFC heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane
- Walker says Hokit’s trash talk and outspoken personality make fans view him as a clown
- Despite their past rivalry, Walker respects Hokit’s training ethic and fighting skills
- Walker does not expect an easy win for Gane but doubts Hokit can become undisputed champion
- The title fight comes after Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight championship
Valter Walker has come to the defense of Josh Hokit ahead of the heavyweight’s upcoming title fight against Ciryl Gane. Walker says fans are making a mistake by judging Hokit based only on his personality.
Walker and Hokit have been rivals in the past, but that has not stopped Walker from recognizing Hokit’s abilities as a fighter. He believes people focus too much on Hokit’s trash talk and miss what he actually does in training.
Trash Talk Creates Wrong Impression
Hokit has become one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC heavyweight division. His aggressive fighting style has won him fans, but his constant trash talk has also made him a target for criticism.
Gable Steveson admits it's "not tough" to fight teammate Josh Hokit as they both ascend the UFC rankings:
"I had heard Josh Hokit might go down to 205 from someone. If he goes down, then that would be a great decision for him in the long run." pic.twitter.com/5Pa46hW5ub
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 8, 2026
Walker explained that Hokit’s habit of talking trash affects how people see him as a fighter. “I think people underestimate Josh Hokit because how he talks a lot of sh*t, people take him as a clown,” Walker said.
However, Walker does not agree with that view when it comes to Hokit’s actual fighting skills. He pointed out that Hokit takes his training seriously despite his public persona.
“I don’t think Ciryl Gane will get an easy win,” Walker said. “I think he trains very hard and knows what he’s doing.”
The comments show that Walker respects Hokit’s abilities even though the two have had heated exchanges in the past. Walker believes fans who dismiss Hokit based on his personality are making an error.
Gane Presents Toughest Challenge Yet
Ciryl Gane represents the biggest test of Hokit’s career. The former champion has built a reputation as one of the most technical heavyweights in the UFC.
Gane’s movement, striking, and athleticism have made him difficult for most fighters in the division to handle. His technical skills contrast sharply with Hokit’s pressure-based, aggressive approach.
Hokit has built his reputation by moving forward and creating exchanges with opponents. Walker thinks those qualities should not be dismissed just because Hokit is outspoken.
The fight for the heavyweight title comes after Tom Aspinall vacated the championship. This gives both Gane and Hokit a clear path to becoming the undisputed champion.
While Walker believes Hokit can give Gane serious problems, he stops short of predicting a championship run. Walker appears to draw a line between being a dangerous contender and actually becoming champion.
He can see Hokit testing Gane and making the fight difficult, but that does not mean he expects Hokit to reach the top of the division and stay there. Walker’s comments suggest he has doubts about Hokit’s ability to eventually become the undisputed champion.
The heavyweight division can change quickly based on a single fight result. One victory can push a fighter into title contention, while one loss can dramatically change their position.
For Hokit, the immediate focus remains on proving Walker and other doubters wrong when he faces Gane. The fight will determine whether Hokit’s aggressive style and pressure can overcome Gane’s technical skills and movement.
Walker’s comments highlight the perception problem Hokit faces going into the biggest fight of his career. Despite his success and momentum, many people still question whether he is a serious championship contender or just an entertaining fighter who talks too much.
