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Former Clovis High and Fresno State standout Josh Hokit signed a multi-fight mixed martial arts contract Friday with major international combat-sports promoter Bellator MMA.
The 25-year-old Hokit will fight as a heavyweight. He joins his older brother, Isaiah, who has been competing as a featherweight with Bellator since 2021.
“This is the next chapter of my life,” Hokit told Sports Illustrated. “[Bellator CEO] Scott Coker is willing to give me a chance. It feels like the right fit, and I’m ready to go,” Hokit said.
.@BellatorMMA has signed 2x NCAA DI All-American & @49ers alumnus Josh Hokit (0-0) to compete in its heavyweight division.
Hokit, 25, finished 5th at the 2019 NCAA Championships at 197lbs. He is the brother of BELLATOR featherweight Isaiah @ZayHokit. https://t.co/GJaBD3XYmO
— Bellator Public Relations (@BellatorPR) May 5, 2023
Born in Clovis, Hokit was a top ranked prep wrestler, rising as high as No. 3 in the nation as a senior. He also excelled in football for the Cougars.
All-American Wrestling Honors
At Fresno State, he twice earned All-America honors as a wrestler and played tight end and fullback for the Bulldogs.
After college, Hokit spent two years with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted reserve and on the practice squad. He was later briefly signed to the Arizona Cardinals.
His MMA debut is likely to be in August, according to SI. He is currently training in Las Vegas with his brother.
“I have that warrior spirit,” says Hokit. “There’s no better way to exercise that than fighting in Bellator.”
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