Is the idea here that Josh Hokit is the number 5 heavyweight on the planet? After only 8 fights and wins over absolute nobodies? I fully understand that his wins have been great so far, on paper he has the tools and on the mic he has the charisma. But what are we doing here? I think this fight is poor match making no matter how it turns out. Let's say he beats Curtis Blaydes. That is seemingly a good thing because the UFC is desperate for some heavyweight talent, but then he's the number 5 guy on the planet at only 9 fights in and there's no ramp. Or what's more likely to happen here, you take a young guy who can be a star in a division that desperately needs a star and you kill him. It's going to be very hard for him to get on the mic and do his whole thing if he loses against Curtis the same way Jailton did.

The thing is, he can absolutely win this fight. Custis doesn't have the best chin and hasn't been the wrestling beast he was supposed to be. But the reason I can't pick Josh here is because we have no frame of reference. His level of competition is literally horrendous and even in the Denzel Freeman win he was breathing pretty heavy. Curtis' chin isn't great but if he survives the early chaos that Josh brings, he can absolutely take over late. He was getting rag dolled in the Jailton Almeida fight but just old man experiences his way to a win. Curtis will be the pick here, but I am likely staying far away from anything that resembles a bet because this fight can go many different ways.

Curtis Blaydes

Curtis Blaydes is a fantastic wrestler who averages more than 5 takedowns per fight. He has Fast and clean entries to double legs and when he touches the legs, he sprints. But as much as he is known as a wrestler, he has only gotten 2 takedowns in 3 years. His hands deserve credit as well with clean technique and heavyweight power. He is coming off the close win over Rizvan Kuniev where he didn't look great but did say he tore his MCL in the first round.

Josh Hokit

Josh Hokit is a solid prospect with a storied athletic past. He was a two sport collegiate athlete with All American wrestling credentials and football skills that got him to the NFL. As you would expect he is an athletic guy with speed and power. Despite having power in his hands, he sprints forward, gets big boy takedowns and works on top. He has great hips, great speed and can keep people on the ground. He is coming off the KO win over Denzel Freeman where he had an instant takedown but did start to breathe heavy.