The tension between Alex Pereira and Josh Hokit continues to grow ahead of UFC Freedom 250, with another heated encounter adding fuel to an already bitter rivalry.
Pereira is set to make history this weekend when he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title on the White House lawn. A victory would make Alex Pereira the first fighter in UFC history to win championships in three different weight classes.
As fight week unfolds, however, much of the attention has shifted to Hokit, who is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis on the same card.
The undefeated heavyweight has repeatedly targeted Pereira in recent weeks. Hokit first drew headlines during the UFC Freedom 250 launch press conference in May, where he attempted to provoke the former two-division champion with a series of verbal attacks.
Pereira largely ignored the comments, but the situation quickly spiraled when UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria stepped in to defend the Brazilian. The confrontation eventually led to Hokit being removed from the event.
That feud resurfaced this week after Pereira and Hokit crossed paths at the fighter hotel. Footage of the encounter quickly spread online, showing Hokit continuing to taunt the Brazilian star.
Despite the ongoing provocations, Alex Pereira has no interest in giving Hokit the attention he appears to be seeking.
Speaking during UFC Freedom 250 media day, Pereira revealed that he has heard rumors suggesting Hokit’s future with the promotion may be uncertain.
“I don’t even like to talk about this guy, but people keep asking, so I’m addressing it,” Pereira said. “I try not to think about him or entertain him.We can’t remove him from the card on Sunday. He’s already in there, so he’s going to fight. But I’ve heard some things. I don’t know if he’s even going to be part of this organization going forward.”
Pereira continued by suggesting that discussing Hokit may ultimately be pointless if those rumors prove true.
“He’s going to fight this Sunday, but I don’t know. I’ve heard some things here and there. It may not even be worth talking about him because I don’t think he’s going to be here.”
While some fans have floated the possibility of a future showdown between the two heavyweights, Alex Pereira does not appear interested in entertaining that idea right now.
Instead, his focus remains firmly on Ciryl Gane and the opportunity to secure a third UFC title.
Pereira also expressed concern over the tone of Hokit’s behavior, noting that the UFC audience includes families and younger viewers.
“There’s a huge audience that watches the UFC. There are children, there are families, and a lot of the things he says and does are very disrespectful,” Pereira said.
