"I Kind Of Like This Guy Now": Dustin Poirier Praises Josh Hokit’s Latest Diss Track With A Surprising Verdict Ahead Of UFC 334 Title Fight

Dustin Poirier gives Josh Hokit’s diss track a big thumbs-up.© NDTV Photo Library

Dustin Poirier has praised Josh Hokit's latest diss track, calling the undefeated heavyweight “crushing it” days before his UFC 334 title fight against Ciryl Gane. Hokit released “MSG Freestyle” under the rap name J-Word on November 1. It came less than two weeks before he challenges Gane for the heavyweight championship at Madison Square Garden. The two-and-a-half-minute video takes aim at Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria. Poirier discussed the release on the Deep Waters podcast after Din Thomas brought up Hokit's increasingly outspoken promotional style.

Josh Hokit has won over the Deep Waters crew ???? "He's crushing it, man. Being outspoken, making people talk, selling his fights. I want to see him fight. At first I didn't like it... I kind of like this guy now." https://t.co/6H0GPtiRUb

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) November 2, 2026

Dustin Poirier admits Josh Hokit won him over after initial doubts

Dustin Poirier admitted he was not initially convinced by Josh Hokit's brash persona. Earlier this year, he compared the American's talk-then-deliver approach to Conor McGregor, Sean O'Malley and Chael Sonnen.

Speaking on the Deep Waters podcast, he stated, "He's crushing it, man. Being outspoken, making people talk, selling his fights. I want to see him fight. At first I didn't like it... I kind of like this guy now."

He argued that a fighter who backs up a bold act can become a star. Hokit had just beaten Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. A fight widely regarded as one of the year's best heavyweight contests.

Poirier's endorsement adds another layer to a build-up that has already divided fans. Bruce Buffer previously criticised Hokit's trash talk, saying the heavyweight should show more class despite his talent.

Hokit's perfect record faces a massive Ciryl Gane challenge

Josh Hokit earned his UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2025. Then stopped Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman in his first two promotional appearances.

His win over Blaydes at UFC 327 earned him $200,000 in bonuses. Less than 90 minutes later, he was booked against Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, where he secured a second-round TKO.

Hokit is now 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the UFC. He will headline UFC 334 against Ciryl Gane on November 14 in New York.

Madison Square Garden braces for a heavyweight title war

Ciryl Gane enters as the newly elevated undisputed heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt because of ongoing eye complications. The Frenchman stopped Alex Pereira in June to win the interim title.

The bout is Gane's first defence of the undisputed championship. However, Hokit is making his first main-event appearance and challenging for gold in only his fifth UFC fight.

The title fight headlines UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden, with Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes serving as the co-main event. The card streams on Paramount+.