Josh Hokit Steps Into the Octagon at UFC 324
The world of mixed martial arts is buzzing with anticipation as Josh Hokit prepares to make his UFC 324 debut against Denzel Freeman. This matchup, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promises to be a thrilling contest between two talented fighters. In this article, we delve into Hokit's background, his recent performance, and the odds surrounding this highly awaited fight.
Josh Hokit: A Rising Star in MMA
Josh Hokit, a 28-year-old fighter with a perfect 7-0-0 record, is making waves in the MMA community. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 236 lbs, Hokit possesses a powerful frame that complements his aggressive fighting style. His reach of 73" gives him an advantage in striking, and his orthodox stance allows him to deliver precise and impactful blows.
Striking Prowess
Hokit's striking is a significant aspect of his game. He lands an impressive 5.12 significant strikes per minute, with a striking accuracy of 69%. This means that a high percentage of his strikes find their mark, making him a formidable opponent in the stand-up game. Additionally, Hokit's ability to defend himself against strikes is commendable, as he absorbs only 1.42 significant strikes per minute and successfully stops 56% of the strikes thrown at him.
Wrestling and Grappling
Beyond his striking abilities, Hokit is also a skilled wrestler. He averages 12.80 takedown attempts per 3 rounds, converting 46% of his takedown attempts. His takedown defense is equally impressive, as he stuffs 15% of the takedowns attempted by his opponents. While Hokit is not particularly known for his submission attempts, averaging only 0.2 subs per 15 minutes, his well-rounded skill set makes him a complete fighter.
Recent Performance
In his last fight, Hokit faced Max Gimenis and secured a victory with a punch to the head in the first round. This win showcased Hokit's ability to end fights quickly and decisively. Statistically, Hokit landed 52% of his significant strikes, connecting on 9 of 17 strikes directed at the head. His performance against Gimenis further solidifies his reputation as a dangerous striker capable of finishing fights.
Denzel Freeman: A Formidable Opponent
Standing across the octagon from Hokit is Denzel "Luke Fox" Freeman, a 34-year-old fighter with a record of 7-1-0. Freeman, also standing at 6'1" but weighing slightly heavier at 265 lbs, brings a different set of skills to the table. His southpaw stance and reach of 77" give him an advantage in reach, while his grappling and submission abilities add another dimension to his game.
Striking and Defense
Freeman's striking is less potent than Hokit's, as he lands only 3.27 significant strikes per minute with a 62% striking accuracy. However, Freeman's ability to absorb strikes is better than Hokit's, as he takes 2.07 significant strikes per minute. In terms of defense, Freeman defends against 61% of the strikes thrown at him, a slightly better percentage than Hokit's 56%.
Wrestling and Submissions
Freeman's wrestling is not as dominant as Hokit's, as he attempts only 0.7 takedowns per 3 rounds and converts only 15% of his takedown attempts. However, Freeman is more active in the submission game, averaging 0.7 subs per 15 minutes, compared to Hokit's 0.2 subs per 15 minutes. This indicates that Freeman is more likely to attempt submissions and could potentially look to end the fight on the ground.
Recent Performance
In his last fight, Freeman faced Marek Bujlo and won by unanimous decision in the third round. While this victory was not as emphatic as Hokit's, it showcased Freeman's ability to grind out wins and control the pace of the fight. His performance against Bujlo demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt to different fighting styles.
UFC 324 Odds and Predictions
As the fight approaches, the odds have Hokit as the favorite, with opening odds of -215, while Freeman is the underdog at +185. This reflects Hokit's perfect record and his recent dominant performance. However, Freeman's reach advantage and submission skills make him a dangerous opponent capable of pulling off an upset.
Expert Analysis
Experts at Doc's Sports have analyzed this matchup and are offering their insights. They highlight Hokit's striking prowess and wrestling abilities as key factors that could lead him to victory. However, they also caution that Freeman's reach and submission skills could pose a threat, especially if the fight goes to the ground.
Featured UFC Best Bet
As part of their UFC predictions, Doc's Sports is offering a complimentary 7-unit play on this matchup. They recommend setting up a free $60 account to get access to this exclusive pick and other UFC predictions. This is an excellent opportunity for fans to get in on the action and potentially profit from their expert analysis.
Conclusion
The matchup between Josh Hokit and Denzel Freeman at UFC 324 promises to be an exciting contest between two skilled fighters. Hokit's striking and wrestling abilities make him a strong favorite, but Freeman's reach and submission skills could make this fight more competitive than the odds suggest. MMA fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this fight, and it is sure to deliver on its promise of excitement and drama.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates and insights on this fight and other UFC events, be sure to follow Everythiiing.com. We provide comprehensive coverage of the MMA world, bringing you the most up-to-date news, analysis, and predictions. Don't miss out on the action!
