Is Dana White seriously dreading the possibility of Josh Hokit becoming UFC heavyweight champion?
While that was the initial indication from White shortly after it was announced that Hokit would take on Ciryl Gane for the undisputed title Nov. 14 at UFC 334, Hokit called the UFC boss' bluff during an appearance Monday on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"He has to say that," Hokit said. "Deep down, I'm Dana's favorite fighter. He can't wait for my fights. So, what do I have to say to Dana? Hello, Dana."
Undefeated Hokit (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has burst onto the scene with four wins in the past 10 months after earning his UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series last year. That includes a Fight of the Year candidate against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327
and a second-round TKO of Derrick Lewis in June at UFC Freedom 250.
But for as impressive as Hokit has been inside the cage, his cringe-worthy altered egos "The Incredible Hok" and "Down Vato" have put him over with fans for better or worse. Hokit repeatedly has made bigoted remarks, including when he used his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan at the White House to say former First Lady Michelle Obama is a man.
Despite White's public reaction to all of his antics, Hokit insists White secretly loves him – although that's not his concern one way or the other.
"I think so," Hokit said of White wanting him to become UFC champ. "Listen, I didn't join this sport to be liked by anybody. It is what it is. The whole world could be against me. That's my thought process. If you like me or not, it is what it is. I'm not in this to be accepted and stuff. I'm here to put on a good fight. You call my name, you have me sign the contract, I'm gonna give you a good fight. That's the most important thing."
Hokit also couldn't care less what fans think of him receiving such a major spot as the headliner of the UFC's annual visit to Madison Square Garden in New York.
"It is what it is, gang," Hokit said. "What am I supposed to say? I can't make everybody happy. I'm just dong my best. I'm putting on fights, I'm saying a few things, and this is the reward. We're rewarded in this world by courage and not intelligence. I'm just getting rewarded by the courage. And so, if you're just getting mad at it, maybe you've got to use more courage in your life, step outside the box, change your own dreams. You hating on me is just a reflection of what's going on in the inside."
Hokit and Gane will fight for the undisputed heavyweight title vacated by Tom Aspinall. Gane was promoted to defend the belt after he finished Alex Pereira in an interim title fight in June at UFC Freedom 250.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Josh Hokit scoffs at Dana White dreading UFC champ possibility: 'He has to say that'
