Josh Hokit, a promising heavyweight prospect, chose to leave PFL after fighting just once following the merger with Bellator.
Hokit stated the decision was straightforward because PFL offered him a new contract with less pay than his previous one. He also cited his inactivity, having fought only twice in two years, as a key reason for wanting to move.
He felt moving elsewhere and taking a pay cut was the best option to ensure he could fight more often.
Hokit (4-0) has indeed increased his activity, competing as many times for LFA in 2025 as he did during his combined PFL and Bellator tenure. His upcoming bout against Eric Lunsford at LFA 208 will be his third fight in 2025.
The undefeated fighter noted the contract difference was substantial, around $20,000. He suggested he might have left even without such a large pay cut.
Hokit felt the reduced pay wasn`t justified at this point in his career, where gaining experience is crucial. He believed PFL intended to rush him into high-level fights for less money, making the alternative of going elsewhere to gain experience and climb the ranks seem like a better career path.
He mentioned they might have planned to put him in the tournament despite him only having two professional fights, which he didn`t consider the wisest decision. This further motivated him to seek opportunities elsewhere to build his experience.
Initially after the merger, PFL seemed interested in keeping him as his contract was nearing its end (after 1.5 years, having fought twice). He also explored the possibility of fighting in other promotions while still under PFL contract, which they seemed open to. However, the overall situation surrounding the PFL and Bellator merger ultimately disheartened him.
Ultimately, he clarified his primary goal: “I`m not fighting to be PFL champion. I`m fighting to be UFC champion.” His aspiration is clearly to compete in the UFC.
Hokit`s background includes collegiate football and wrestling. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, had an intermittent two-year stint, then briefly signed with the Arizona Cardinals before his football career concluded.
The 27-year-old successfully transitioned to MMA, finding quick success. He believes his upcoming fight this Friday could potentially be his last outside of the TKO/UFC organizational structure.
Hokit revealed he has already signed a contract for Dana White`s Contender Series in August. He is taking the LFA fight to gain further experience, recognizing that fighters entering the Contender Series today are highly experienced from various global promotions and are often ready for the UFC.
He noted that the heavyweight division differs from lighter classes like 145 lbs, being less deep and having a comparatively lower overall skill level.
Hokit expressed confidence in his current skillset, believing he can compete with and defeat opponents in the division. With this upcoming fight potentially bringing him to 5-0, he feels prepared for the Contender Series and whatever follows, stating he doesn`t necessarily need more fights, although more experience is always beneficial.
