Josh Hokit scolds Alex Pereira for ‘favorable matchups,’ vows to use him as a stepping stone: “I think he’s never faced a guy like me”

Josh Hokit doesn’t believe Alex Pereira is as good as the MMA community thinks he is.

Hokit has been trying to ruffle some feathers on his climb in the heavyweight division. He revved up his antics during media week for UFC 327 back in April, and he ultimately defeated Curtis Blaydes via unanimous decision in an entertaining scrap. He will meet Derrick Lewis on the UFC Freedom 250 card on June 14 and caused some chaos once again during a press conference back in May.

Hokit exchanged words with Pereira and even reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria during the presser. Ultimately, “The Incredible Hok” was escorted out of the conference.

During an appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Hokit shared his belief that Pereira has been a bit overrated by fans, and he thinks he can expose that in due time.

“I want Pereira. He’s a legend in the sport, or at least that’s what everyone is saying,” Hokit said. “And I just think he came into the sport at a right time with a bunch of strikers. I don’t take away the whole rivalry with (Israel) Adesanya – that was great.

“But everybody else, it was all favorable matchups, all strikers. But at least he was able to perform a certain way and get all his opponents out of there, and his fights are pretty fun to watch. So I would also like to use his name to catapult my name. I think he’s never faced a guy like me.”

Hokit will have to focus on the aforementioned bout with Lewis before he thinks about the top of the heap in his weight class. Hokit currently sits at the No. 5 spot on the official UFC heavyweight rankings.

Do you think we’ll eventually get to see Josh Hokit and Alex Pereira share the Octagon, or will the trash talk be wasted? Tell us what you think in the comments below.