Josh Hokit, a former UFC fighter, recently expressed his view that modern mixed martial arts (MMA) lacks the vibrant personalities that characterized the sport in its earlier days. In an interview, Hokit lamented the current state of the sport, stating, 'Back then, you had wild men.' He specifically referenced fighters like Wanderlei Silva as examples of the colorful characters he believes are missing from today's MMA scene.
Hokit, who competed in the UFC's heavyweight division, has been vocal about his concerns regarding the evolution of the sport. He argues that the focus on athleticism and technique has come at the expense of the unique personalities that once drew fans to the sport. 'The fighters today are more polished, but they lack that edge,' Hokit said, according to a verified interview transcript.
The comments have sparked discussion among MMA fans and analysts, with some agreeing that the sport has become more corporate and less entertaining. Others, however, point out that modern fighters like Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz still bring significant personality to the octagon. Hokit's remarks come as the UFC continues to expand globally, with a new generation of fighters emerging from various backgrounds.
As of May 2026, Hokit remains active in the MMA community, often sharing his insights on the sport's development. His critique highlights an ongoing debate about the balance between athletic professionalism and entertainment value in combat sports.
