Pereira Signals Willingness To Fight Hokit After Pre-Event Feud

Alex Pereira has a new name on his list — and it is not Ciryl Gane.

Pereira has indicated a willingness to fight Josh Hokit. Hokit had been directing verbal shots at Pereira in the weeks leading into the White House card, with the taunts extending to remarks about Pereira's mother — the kind of line that tends to ensure a conversation does not stay professional for long.

Pereira made clear he is ready for anyone. Hokit, who has been calling for the fight publicly for weeks, responded to Pereira's comments with two words: "Uh oh."

The brevity of that reply does considerable work. Hokit has spent weeks pushing for this fight and now appears to have what he wanted — a signal from Pereira that the interest is mutual.

The matchup carries an unusual dynamic. Hokit is unbeaten and building toward something in the heavyweight division. Pereira is a two-time former champion coming off a defeat he believes was decided by illegal strikes and poor officiating, with a legal challenge in progress and a point to prove. The personal element — the remarks about his mother — ensures Pereira's motivation goes beyond the competitive.

Whether the UFC moves to make it depends on how both men's immediate situations develop. Pereira is serving a 180-day medical suspension and has an ongoing legal appeal running in parallel. Hokit is fresh off a significant performance and building momentum. The timing may not be immediate, but the willingness on both sides appears genuine.