Josh Hokit, a heavyweight prospect, decided to leave PFL after only competing once following the organization`s merger with Bellator.
“They sort of made the decision simple,” Hokit stated. Contracts were renegotiated, and his new offer proposed less money. He felt it wasn`t worthwhile, especially having fought only twice over two years when he desired much greater activity.
He concluded that moving elsewhere, accepting lower pay in exchange for consistent activity, was the optimal choice for him at that moment.
Hokit (4-0) has certainly achieved his goal of increased activity, competing for LFA in 2025 as many times as he did throughout his entire tenure with PFL and Bellator combined. The undefeated heavyweight is scheduled for his third bout of 2025 this Friday against Eric Lunsford at LFA 208.
The undefeated fighter mentioned that the difference in pay offered in the renegotiated PFL contract was substantial, adding that he might have chosen to leave even if the financial disparity hadn`t been as great.
“The difference was around $20,000,” he explained. “At this stage of my career, that wasn`t worth it. I need more experience… it seemed they planned to put me in tough fights immediately for less pay. I decided it would be better to gain more experience elsewhere and progress through the ranks that way. I believe that was a better path for me, a more favorable situation.”
“I suspected they intended to include me in their tournament,” he said. “Given I only had about two professional fights, I wasn`t sure if that was the wisest step. So, ultimately, I concluded that going elsewhere to accumulate more experience and gradually build my way up was necessary.”
“Initially, during the merger period, it appeared they wished to retain me,” he recalled. “My contract was nearing its end, having lasted about a year and a half during which I only fought twice. Although they gave the impression they wanted to keep me, and I had even explored the possibility of competing in other promotions while still being under PFL contract, and they seemed agreeable, the overall situation with PFL and the Bellator integration simply put me off.”
He reflected, “I questioned my fundamental reason for fighting. My goal isn`t to become PFL champion; it`s to become UFC champion. Being in the UFC is my ultimate aspiration.”
Hokit, who previously excelled in college football and wrestling, was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Following an intermittent two-year period with the 49ers, his football career concluded after a brief five-day stint with the Arizona Cardinals before being waived.
The 27-year-old then transitioned into mixed martial arts, where he has achieved significant early success. In fact, Hokit suggested that his upcoming fight this Friday might very well be his final bout before potentially entering the TKO/UFC organizational sphere.
“I`ve actually already signed a contract for Dana White`s Contender Series in August,” Hokit revealed. “I`m taking this fight simply to gain more experience because I understand the current landscape of the UFC. Fighters entering now are highly prepared, possessing experience from diverse backgrounds globally. They are ready to be contenders, and I view it the same way for myself.”
He added, “The heavyweight division differs slightly; it`s not as deep. To put it another way, it doesn`t possess the same level of overall skill found in a division like 145 pounds.”
“Therefore,” he stated, “I believe my current skill set allows me to compete effectively with those fighters and ultimately, in my view, defeat them all. After this upcoming fight, I anticipate having five professional wins. While more fights are always beneficial, I don`t feel it`s necessary to take any more than required at this point. I feel prepared for the Contender Series and whatever opportunities arise afterwards.”
