Hokit Declines Lewis Showdown: ‘I’m Not That Foolish’

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: Derrick Lewis appeared at the UFC Freedom 250 press conference held at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC) As the excitement builds for upcoming bouts, let's recap some of the significant news from Friday, June 12, 2026.

In a surprising turn of events, Josh Hokit has opted out of a potential confrontation with Derrick Lewis, famously known as the "Black Beast." Hokit expressed his reservations about facing Lewis in a striking exchange, stating, “I’m not tryna stand and bang with Derrick Lewis, I’m pretty stupid but I’m not that stupid. Nobody wants to lose to a guy like me.” His comments suggest a strategic approach to his fighting career amidst the competitive landscape.

In other developments, the boxing world faces turbulence as Dana White's Zuffa Boxing has issued a cease-and-desist letter, jeopardizing the highly anticipated match between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, demonstrating the ongoing promotional conflicts that plague modern boxing.

Additionally, the upcoming bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane is generating buzz, with fans eager to see how it will unfold amidst a backdrop of heavyweight favorites. Insights from Jesse Holland on the evolving nature of combat sports have further fueled interest in this matchup.

As the fight calendar progresses, fans are keenly watching the rising stars and seasoned veterans, anticipating thrilling matchups in the world of mixed martial arts.