Daniel Cormier Sees Massive Future Clash Between Gable Steveson and Josh Hokit
Daniel Cormier believes that the UFC heavyweight division is on the verge of a new era as newcomers, Gable Steveson and Josh Hokit, are bringing new energy to a weight class that has consistently had depth in recent years.
The former heavyweight champion and Hall of Famer of the UFC recently expressed his thoughts on the division’s future and singled out both as the potential key players of the next generation of fighters. Cormier even suggested that a future clash between the two Americans could become one of the biggest storylines in the division.
Rapid Rise From Josh Hokit
Josh Hokit has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the heavyweight division. With a 9-0 professional MMA record and 3-0 UFC record, Hokit has already risen to the top five.
A defining moment of his rise came at UFC 327, where he defeated Curtis Blaydes in an exciting contest that many considered an early Fight of the Year candidate. That victory gave him a major boost and made him a real contender for the title. Instead, Hokit will now have a fast turnaround facing a veteran knockout artist in the form of Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
UFC Debut By Gable Steveson Generates Buzz
The other name that has created so much hype is the Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson. He is supposedly set to make his UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11. The decorated wrestler will be entering the sport with a 3-0 MMA record and comes into the heavyweight division strongly. Cormier praised Steveson’s credentials and long-term potential, citing his elite wrestling background, championship pedigree, and general mentality.
Daniel Cormier elaborated that Steveson is a great talent as an Olympic gold medalist and NCAA champion. He claimed that Steveson possesses the equipment to be a world champion, and he said that that kind of skill in fighters can easily climb the ladder to the top. Cormier also added that Steveson’s career path could resemble Hokit’s rise, beginning with early victories before progressing to tougher competition.
Potential All-American Title Fight Gains Attention
Another aspect that Cormier pointed out was the wider impact of the two men going to the heavyweight division, where the UFC has not had any elite American wrestlers in the heavier divisions since former stars retired.
He explained that the appearance of an All-American athlete, Hokit, and an Olympic champion, Steveson, poses a good future story. A fight pitting Steveson and Hokit would be a big draw and one of the most interesting narratives that the UFC could develop, according to Cormier.
Hokits Personality Drawing Reactions
Although Hokit has astonished numerous observers with his in-cage performances, his personality on the street has elicited mixed reactions among his fans. His approach is perceived as audacious and amusing by some, and polarizing by others.
Cormier was encouraging Hokit to adopt that persona, as it can be worthwhile in the fight business to attract strong reactions. He described how Hokit’s personality can be overwhelming to some people, but that success behind the cage contributes to that image. Cormier also added that as long as Hokit is comfortable with some fans disliking him, it can still be beneficial, because the worst thing for a fighter is to be ignored.
Heavyweight Division May Be Entering a New Era
Hokit has already shot up the rankings, and Steveson is on the verge of a much-anticipated debut. The UFC heavyweight division could be filled with two of the most interesting young talents. If both continue to progress, Cormier’s vision of an all-American UFC title fight could become far more realistic sooner than many expect.
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