Josh Hokit Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Josh Hokit

Joshua Seth Hokit is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Hokit is widely known for his rare and remarkable career as a high-level two-sport athlete. Before transitioning to MMA, he had a significant collegiate career at Fresno State University, where he excelled in both American football and wrestling, earning All-America honors on the mat. Following his college tenure, he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) as an undrafted free agent in 2020. His unique athletic journey, combining the physical demands of collegiate wrestling, Division I football, a stint in the NFL, and now a burgeoning career in professional MMA, distinguishes him as a versatile and formidable competitor.

Josh Hokit Overview

Early Life and Education of Josh Hokit

Josh Hokit was born on November 12, 1997, in Bakersfield, California. He spent his early years in Wasco before his family moved to Clovis, a city known for its strong wrestling programs. From a young age, Hokit was immersed in athletics, beginning his wrestling journey at just four years old and taking up football a few years later. He attended Clovis High School, where he became a standout athlete in both sports. His prowess on the wrestling mat was exceptional; as a senior, he was ranked as high as number three in the nation and won the 2016 CIF State Championship at 182 pounds. Simultaneously, he was a dominant force in football, playing linebacker and running back. In his senior year, he recorded an impressive 125 tackles and rushed for 820 yards with eight touchdowns, earning accolades such as the TRAC Player of the Year and the Central Section Defensive Player of the Year. Initially, Hokit accepted a wrestling scholarship to Drexel University, but his desire to continue playing football led him to change his plans. He ultimately chose to walk on at Fresno State University, which allowed him to pursue both of his passions at the collegiate level.

Josh Hokit’s Career

Collegiate Career: A Two-Sport Phenom

At Fresno State, Josh Hokit undertook the demanding challenge of being a Division I dual-sport athlete in football and wrestling. In football, he was a versatile and physical player, contributing as a running back, fullback, linebacker, and on special teams over his four-year career (2016-2019). He appeared in 51 games, rushing for a total of 805 yards and 17 touchdowns, and adding 153 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. As a sophomore, he led the team with seven rushing touchdowns. In his senior year, he served as a team captain for the final four games of the season.

Hokit’s wrestling career at Fresno State was equally, if not more, impressive. Competing at 197 pounds, he became the university’s first NCAA All-American wrestler since 2003, a significant achievement for the reinstated program. He accomplished this by placing fifth at the 2019 NCAA Championships. During his senior season, he was named a second-team All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) after leading the team with 24 wins. His success in both sports at a high collegiate level is a testament to his extraordinary athleticism, work ethic, and dedication.

Professional Football Career (NFL)

After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Josh Hokit’s professional football aspirations were realized when he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. He spent the majority of the 2020 and 2021 seasons as a member of the 49ers’ practice squad. His tenure with the team included being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on a couple of occasions and signing reserve/future contracts. Despite his efforts and time with the organization, he never appeared in a regular-season NFL game. Hokit was waived by the 49ers on August 15, 2022. He had a very brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals, signing with them on August 18, 2022, but was waived just five days later, marking the end of his NFL journey.

Transition to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Leveraging his elite wrestling background and innate toughness, Josh Hokit transitioned to mixed martial arts. He made his professional debut in October 2023 at Bellator 300, securing a victory via submission. He followed up with another submission win at a Bellator event in September 2024. Hokit then continued to build his resume in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), where he earned three more stoppage victories in early 2025.

This string of impressive performances earned him an opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series on August 19, 2025. He won his fight against Guilherme Uriel via a second-round TKO, which resulted in him being awarded a UFC contract by Dana White himself. Hokit made a spectacular UFC debut on November 8, 2025, defeating Max Gimenis by TKO in the first round. This dominant performance also earned him his first “Performance of the Night” bonus award. He currently trains at the renowned Jackson Wink MMA Academy and competes in the heavyweight division, holding an undefeated professional record.

Josh Hokit Personal Life & Family

Josh Hokit comes from a family with a strong athletic background. His parents are Seth and Cristina Hokit. He has two brothers, Isaiah and Scott. His brother, Isaiah Hokit, is also an accomplished athlete, having wrestled for Fresno State and now competing as a professional mixed martial artist, formerly with Bellator. The brothers’ shared path in both wrestling and MMA highlights the family’s deep connection to combat sports. Josh’s decision to follow his brother into professional MMA was a natural progression after his football career. Information regarding Josh Hokit’s marital status or current relationships is not publicly disclosed. He majored in political science during his time at Fresno State.

Awards and Achievements of Josh Hokit

• MMA: UFC Performance of the Night (One time)
• Collegiate Wrestling: NCAA Division I All-American (2019, 5th place at 197 lbs)
• Collegiate Wrestling: NWCA Second-Team All-American (2020)
• Collegiate Wrestling: Big 12 Championships 5th Place Finisher
• High School Wrestling: CIF State Champion (2016, 182 lbs)
• High School Football: Central Section Defensive Player of the Year
• High School Football: TRAC Player of the Year
• Collegiate Football: Academic All-Mountain West

Josh Hokit Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, a precise figure for Josh Hokit’s net worth is not publicly available. His income is derived from his professional fighting career in the UFC, which includes fight purses and performance bonuses. For his UFC debut, he earned a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus. Previously, his income came from his NFL contracts. His career earnings from his time on the practice squads of the San Francisco 49ers and a brief contract with the Arizona Cardinals are estimated to be around $320,900. His transition to the high-profile platform of the UFC presents a significant opportunity for increased future earnings through fight purses, bonuses, and potential sponsorships.

Legacy and Influence

Josh Hokit’s legacy is currently being forged, but it is already defined by his remarkable versatility and success across multiple elite sports. He is one of the rare athletes to compete at the NCAA Division I level in both football and wrestling simultaneously and achieve All-American status. This dual-sport success, followed by a professional career in the NFL and now a promising start in the UFC, showcases a unique athletic prowess and relentless competitive drive. His transition to MMA further highlights the transferability of high-level wrestling skills to the sport. While his public image is still developing, he has quickly gained attention for his fighting ability and outspoken personality. His journey serves as an inspiration for multi-sport athletes and demonstrates the possibilities that exist beyond a single athletic discipline.

Interesting Facts about Josh Hokit

• He is one of the very few athletes to be a Division I All-American wrestler and play professional football in the NFL.
• He started wrestling at the age of four and became a national champion by the age of six.
• At Fresno State, he once threw a 65-yard touchdown pass in a game.
• His brother, Isaiah Hokit, is also a professional MMA fighter.
• He walked onto the Fresno State football team without a scholarship and eventually earned one through his performance.

Controversies

Josh Hokit has generated controversy for his outspoken and provocative comments. Following his victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, he made a post-fight speech that was widely criticized. In the interview, he made controversial remarks about various groups and stated that fighters in the UFC should be required to speak English. Prior to this, he had also posted videos on his social media containing racially insensitive remarks about his Brazilian opponent, which were later deleted. These statements have led to public backlash and have become a significant part of his public persona early in his UFC career, with some commentators labeling his approach as a “schtick” to gain notoriety.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not disclosed
• Twitter – Not publicly available
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Josh Hokit

Josh Hokit’s career is a compelling narrative of athletic ambition and transition. Having reached notable heights in collegiate wrestling and football, and earning a place in the NFL, he has now embarked on a new chapter in the demanding world of mixed martial arts. His undefeated record and spectacular UFC debut signal a promising future in the heavyweight division. Armed with an elite wrestling base, undeniable athleticism, and a personality that commands attention, Hokit is poised to become a significant figure in the UFC. As he continues to develop his skills and navigate his career, his journey will be closely watched by fans of both MMA and the other sports he has excelled in, solidifying his unique legacy as a multi-talented professional athlete.