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Josh Hokit says RAF deal is close for 2027: 'They got a good amount of money over there'

Days before he challenges Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight title, Hokit said "in 2027, I think you guys will see me in RAF".

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published · AI-assisted reporting
Josh Hokit in wrestling headgear at his gym during UFC 334 Embedded
Photo: UFC 334 Embedded / UFC

Josh Hokit says he is close to a deal with Real American Freestyle and expects to wrestle for the promotion in 2027.

Asked at UFC 334 media day in New York on Wednesday whether he had any interest in joining RAF, Hokit said: "I mean, they got a good amount of money over there, and that would help me, you know, stay sharp with my wrestling as well. So yeah, no, I think we're close to getting a deal done already. And so in 2027, I think you guys will see me in RAF."

Hokit, who is 10-0 and has said he has been wrestling since he was 4, challenges Ciryl Gane for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title in the UFC 334 main event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday 14 November. The main card starts at 2am UK time on Sunday 15 November.

RAF holds its own card in Abu Dhabi on the same Saturday, where Khamzat Chimaev wrestles Chris Weidman for the inaugural RAF light heavyweight crossover title. Fellow UFC fighter Bo Nickal wrestles Yoel Romero at RAF 16 in Long Island on 19 December.

In this story
Josh HokitCiryl GaneKhamzat ChimaevBo NickalYoel Romero
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About this report

Reported by the Combat Sports UK desk. Times are UK and Irish time, and we update the report when the facts change. How we work.