The Valley's Josh Hokit moves to 2-0 at Bellator Champion Series in San Diego

“The Incredible Hok” Josh Hokit is now 2-0 as a professional heavyweight under the Bellator MMA banner. The former Fresno State wrestler and football player competed on the undercard of Bellator Champions Series: San Diego on Saturday September 7^th, 2024, from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego California.

Born in Bakersfield and raised throughout the Central Valley, Josh Hokit has been making noise on the grid iron and wrestling mats since his days back at Clovis High. A dual sport athlete, Hokit continued excelling in both football and wrestling as a Fresno State Bulldog. Where he was named an all American in wrestling twice, while leading the team in wins in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. On the football field Hokit played on both sides of the ball as a running back and linebacker. Following college, the San Francisco 49ers signed Hokit as an undrafted free agent where he spent some time on the practice squad before covid.

Now training with Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque New Mexico, Hokit made his move to MMA in 2023 signing with Bellator MMA where he is now 2-0 in the heavyweight division. Hokit also has a brother who competes, Isaiah Hokit who is currently 3-1 in the featherweight division and is also signed to Bellator. Josh Hokit made his MMA debut at Bellator 300, where he locked in an arm triangle choke to get his first win in the sport.

Hokit recently took on (2-2) Sean Rose Saturday September7th at Bellator Champion Series: San Diego from the Pechanga Arena. The heavyweight match up helped set the pace, in what turned out to be a great night of MMA action with Bellator MMA back in California. Hokit wasted no time taking the fight to the ground, where he took Rose’s back and landed some nice shots to the body. 

Rose looking to escape, ended up with Hokit moving to full mount where he almost locked in a arm triangle choke. Rose escaped but Hokit re secured the dominant position where he landed a few stiff punches. As the round comes to a close, Hokit transitions and locks up a armbar that forces the tap with just three seconds left in the round. Hokit wins by submission with an arm bar at 4:58 in round 1 to move his record to 2-0.

“I’m here to wear you out and then you slow down and I’m going to make you pay for that” said Hokit at the post-fight press conference after the win. When asked when he’d like to compete again? Hokit responded “Every single month, every month. I mean I come from wrestling we have five or six matches in one day. I come from football, we compete every week. So, every month would be ideal but I just know that’s not possible but I want one more by the end of the year.”

Also on the card, veteran Lorenz Larkin claimed his spot as number one contender in the welterweight division. Larkin stopped Levan Chokheli by tko in the co main event, landing a right hand that sent Chokheli stumbling. “The Monsoon” followed up with another shot that sent Chokheli to the canvas forcing the referee to stop the fight at 1:53 in round 1.

Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his title versus Alexander Shabliy in the nights main event. The fight would go the distance where the judges scored it (50-45, 49-46, 49-46), a unanimous decision for Nurmagomedov. Who moves his record to 18-0.

Bellator Champions Series: San Diego Results

Usman Nurmagomedov defeats Alexander Shabliy by unanimous decision to retain the Bellator Lightweight Championship.

Lorenz Larkin defeated Levan Chokheli by tko at 1:53 in round 1.

Aaron Jeffery defeats Douglas Lima by unanimous decision.

Sumiko Inaba defeats Mackenzie Stiller by tko at 4:25 in round 2.

Jora Ayvazyan defeats Yancy Medeiros by unanimous decision.

Jordan Newman defeats Imamshafi Aliev by unanimous decision.

Masayuki Kikuiri defeats Herman Terrado by tko at 2:54 in round 3.

Bryce Meredith defeats John MaCalolooy by submission at 3:15 in round 1.

Josh Hokit defeats Sean Rose by submission at 4:58 in round 1.

Ashley Thiner defeats Aysia Cortez by tko at 3:11 in round 2.

Keep up with the Valley’s Josh Hokit on IG @ www.instagram.com/theincredible_hok

For more info on Bellator MMA visit www.bellator.com

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By: Daniel "Trip" Quintana www.noweakshitever.com