Poatan in the crosshairs! UFC loudmouth explains his fixation on the Brazilian: 'I'd like to use his name'

Alex Poatan entering a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

PUBLICITY:

Josh Hokit is determined to secure a fight against Alex Poatan in the UFC octagon. During the press conference promoting UFC White House , scheduled for June 14th, the outspoken fighter stole the spotlight by directing provocations at the Brazilian, who simply ignored them. Now, the American has decided to explain his fixation on the Brazilian.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Hokit stated that the public sees Poatan as a legend, but assessed that the former two-division champion's rise happened at a favorable time, surrounded mostly by strikers.

“I want Pereira. He’s a legend in the sport, or at least that’s what everyone’s saying. And I just think he came into the sport at the right time, with a bunch of strikers. I don’t take anything away from the rivalry with Israel Adesanya , that was great. But all the rest were favorable matchups, all strikers,” said Josh Hokit.

See too

UFC legend explains how the fight between Topuria and Gaethje became a personal rivalry.

Unstoppable! Arman Tsarukyan confirms 3rd fight in a month; former UFC champions face off in a rematch.

UFC legend suggests behind-the-scenes controversy surrounding Tom Aspinall's injury.

Hokit highlighted that Poatan knew how to seize opportunities, convincingly defeated his opponents, and delivered exciting fights. Finally, he admitted interest in facing the Brazilian also because of the impact it could have on his career.

“He managed to perform in a certain way and take all his opponents out of there, and his fights are really fun to watch. So I would also like to use his name to boost mine. I think he has never faced a guy like me,” concluded the loudmouth.

See photos of how UFC White House will work.

UFC octagon set up with the White House in the background. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

PUBLICITY:

UFC Fan Fest set up on the White House lawn. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

UFC White House

UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Spaniard Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against the interim title holder, American Justin Gaethje.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil will be represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion is seeking the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane.

Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. They face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.

UFC White House fight schedule

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – Title fight

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Alex Poatan vs. Ciryl Gane – Interim title fight

Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Chandler vs. Mauricio Ruffy

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Kyle Daukaus x Bo Nickal

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steve Garcia vs. Diego Lopes

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.