Ilya Topuria on the dispute with Hokit: He was lucky that security was there

Ilya Topuria addressed the high-profile situation involving Josh Hokit that occurred during the press conference promoting the UFC Freedom 250 gala. The lightweight champion did not hide his emotions and admitted that he was very close to a physical confrontation with the American fighter.

The two fighters represent completely different weight categories. “El Matador” was still the champion of the featherweight division in 2024, before moving up to light heavyweight, where he continues his impressive series of victories. After seventeen professional fights, Topuria remains undefeated. Josh Hokit also boasts a similar record, with a 9-0 record, although he competes in the heavyweight category on a daily basis.

The American has been trying to get the attention of fans and the UFC for a long time. Hokit is famous for his controversial speeches and aggressive trash talk, which often targets both fighters and their loved ones. This time, however, he found out that not everyone is going to tolerate similar behavior.

During the press conference, Hokit first accosted Alex Pereira and then insulted the Brazilian’s mother. The American’s words momentarily provoked a reaction from Ilia Topuria, who jumped up from his seat and moved towards the heavyweight. However, the situation was very quickly brought under control by the security present at the event.

Topuria: “One of us would end up with scars”

In an interview with Alvaro Colmenero, the UFC champion admitted that the whole situation took him hard out of balance. The Spaniard of Georgian descent made no secret of the fact that he struggled to contain his emotions.

– In my life I’ve never seen someone stand up and say such bad things about someone’s mother. The blood went to my head…. He was lucky there was so much protection. Otherwise, one of us would have ended up scarred. And it wouldn’t have been me.

Although the tension between the fighters was enormous, all indications are that their direct fight is unlikely to ever happen. After all, the difference in size is gigantic. Topuria is currently preparing for a unification bout with Justin Gaethje for the lightweight belt, which is scheduled to take place at a gala held at the White House.

Nevertheless, the UFC may try to exploit the conflict between the two fighters marketing-wise. It cannot be ruled out that Topuria and Hokit will be in the same gala in the future, which would certainly again lead to media spats and more harsh verbal exchanges.