Ben Stiller’s Unexpected Josh Hokit Moment Reveals More Than His UFC Persona

Ben Stiller witnesses the side of Josh Hokit Fans miss.© NDTV Photo Library

Ben Stiller caught an unexpected glimpse of Josh Hokit outside his usual “Incredible Hok” persona during an encounter at Madison Square Garden. The unbeaten heavyweight challenges Ciryl Gane for the title on Saturday. He spoke with the actor courtside during the New York Knicks' game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Hokit, a 28-year-old former NFL player, has built a reputation for provocative interviews and pro-wrestling-style behaviour. But the exchange with Stiller was unusually calm, with the 10-0 contender explaining how quickly he has climbed from UFC newcomer to main-event challenger.

Ben Stiller stunned by Hokit's rapid rise to UFC main event

A viral video captured Ben Stiller asking Hokit whether he had fought at Madison Square Garden before. “I haven't. This is my first year with the UFC. I've already worked my way up to main event,” Hokit replied.

Stiller admitted he found professional fighting difficult to comprehend. “I honestly don't understand how you guys do it. It's incredible,” he said.

Hokit explained that wrestling had given him a base for MMA. “I've been doing it since a young age,” he said. “At least wrestling. I have a wrestling base, at least. So I'm using that."

Hokit revives his Controversial Side After a star-studded meeting

After speaking with Ben Stiller, Josh Hokit appeared to slip back into his outspoken persona. He shared pictures with Stiller and filmmaker Spike Lee on social media, along with a caption hinting at his more controversial side.

“You think they ever heard one of my post-fight speeches? Tehehe," Hokit wrote. The remark appeared to reference his comments about Michelle Obama after beating Derrick Lewis at the UFC White House event in June.

Hokit has faced criticism for those remarks, which were widely condemned as offensive and unfounded. He has repeatedly refused to apologise, saying he does not regret what he said.

Madison Square Garden set for a heavyweight showdown

Josh Hokit will challenge Ciryl Gane for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. It will be Gane's first defence since winning the belt.

Hokit is 10-0 as a professional and has won all six fights since joining the UFC in 2025. His rise has been rapid: a 56-second TKO in his debut last November was followed by five more victories. This includes a second-round knockout of Derrick Lewis.

The American enters as an underdog against Gane. But his willingness to embrace controversy has made him one of the most talked-about fighters on the card. Fans can expect more of his wild side throughout fight week.