You only get one Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut!
Two fighters made their Octagon debuts last night (Sat., Nov. 8, 2025) at UFC Vegas 111 inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both Heavyweight
newcomers squared off against each other — and one of them made a huge first impression.
Now that the dust has settled, let’s grade their performances.
Josh Hokit & Max Gimenis
(FYI: Normally, we’d break down each rookie separately, but since they fought each other — and it didn’t last long — we’re grouping them together.)
Josh Hokit entered his debut with a healthy dose of hype. The former college wrestler and Contender Series alum had already built a reputation as an athletic, foul-mouthed, outspoken newcomer — a bit of a Colby Covington-type trash talker with finishing ability to back it up.
And on Saturday, he delivered in spectacular fashion.
Hokit blitzed Max Gimenis from the opening bell, uncorking wild punches until a right hand floored the Brazilian. Gimenis tried to recover and scramble to his knees, but Hokit swarmed with a flurry against the fence, knocking him out just 56 seconds into Round 1 (watch highlights).
Hokit is a wrestler by nature, but he showed off his improving hands — and while he was wild, he is improving.
Hokit is a wrestler by nature, but he showed off his improving hands, and while Hokit’s striking was still raw, his aggression and finishing instincts were undeniable. He called out Valter Walker afterward — a solid callout considering Walker’s desire to keep fighting unranked Heavyweights. If not Walker, a bout against Louie Sutherland (whom Walker recently submitted) makes perfect sense.
As for Gimenis … it was an absolutely awful performance. He isn’t UFC caliber, and if he doesn’t get cut, he’ll be just a body for prospects to beat up on.
Hokit Final Grade: A+
Gimenis Final Grade: F-
For complete UFC Vegas 111 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
