Josh Hokit Fires Back at Bruce Buffer Over Role Model Criticism
Undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit clapped back at Bruce Buffer after the legendary announcer called him disrespectful.
Josh Hokit is not interested in being anyone's role model, and he wants Bruce Buffer to know it.
The undefeated heavyweight fired back at the legendary UFC announcer after Buffer criticized Hokit's postfight comments about former first lady Michelle Obama at UFC Freedom 250. Buffer, speaking to Kick streamer N3on, did not hold back.
"I don't like what he talks about," Buffer said. "He's disrespectful. It's like, show some class." Buffer added that young people today "don't have a lot of role models" and lamented that "we live in a decaying society; the way people are acting."
Hokit responded on X with a pointed comparison. "I talk trash in the Octagon, but guys on this roster have actual criminal records and rape charges," he wrote. "I have no criminal record, yet I'm not classy enough?" He also questioned the entire premise: "Should men who try to kill other men, really be your role model?"
Dana White also reportedly criticized Hokit's remarks at UFC Freedom 250, though details of White's comments were not reported by Sherdog.
Hokit, 10-0, is set to challenge Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden. The title shot is the biggest opportunity of his career, and the controversy around his mouth has done nothing to slow his momentum.
Hokit is not wrong about the double standard. The UFC has had fighters on its roster with serious legal issues, and nobody asks them to be role models. Hokit talks trash, which is literally part of the job description in combat sports. Buffer acting like that is some new low is a stretch.
That said, Hokit needs to understand that when you are 10-0 and fighting for the heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden, everything you say gets amplified. You do not get to be the underdog rebel and the main event at MSG at the same time. Pick a lane.
The real story here is that none of this matters if Hokit beats Gane on November 14. Win the belt and the talking points change overnight. Lose, and all anyone remembers is the guy who ran his mouth and came up short when it counted. Gane is a problem. Focus on that.
