Hokit Beats Derrick Lewis via KO, Stats, Prize Money & Highlights from UFC White House Freedom 250

Josh Hokit took another major step toward becoming a contender in the UFC heavyweight division with a second-round TKO win over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 from the White House.

Hokit got off to a hot start. After measuring the distance for the first few minutes he secured a takedown and went to work with ground and pound. 

He nearly finished the fight in the first frame with a deep armbar attempt, but Lewis was able to survive it to get to the second round. 

Hokit was getting the better of the striking with his hand speed, but Lewis unloaded a few uppercuts with some juice. 

Unfortunately for Lewis, there wasn't much left in the gas tank as the second round continued and Hokit's pressure eventually sent him to the floor, where Hokit finished the fight with ground strikes.

Hokit has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the division this year. He made his UFC debut in November 2025, but has quickly put together three more wins in 2026, including a Fight of the Night performance in a unanimous decision win over Curtis Blaydes.

The 28-year-old would have preferred for that performance to give him a No. 1 contender fight, but he settled for the opportunity to make a quick turnaround for the historic White House card.

Now he would like to take on the man who will be fighting for the heavyweight title on the card.

"I would say [I'm more interested in fighting] Alex Pereira , for sure… I think I'm going down in competition from my last fight," he told media ahead of the bout. "Me beating Derrick Lewis doesn't bring no value to me, I don't think. But me fighting at the White House does. I think that's going to propel to a fight with Alex Pereira."

Pereira will fight Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title later on the main card.

Hokit doesn't have a ton of experience, but he does have a few things going for him that could see him fighting for the title sooner than later. For one, he knows how to generate attention.

He embraced a brash persona for most of his pre-fight media appearances, taunting both Pereira and Ilia Topuria at different times.

That, combined with his frenetic pace for a heavyweight, are sure to keep him in the spotlight. A win over one of the most recognizable fighters in his division on a unique card are bound to keep him in the conversation.