Josh Hokit Challenged Jake Paul to Fight
Former NFL player Josh Hokit has publicly called out Jake Paul for a boxing or MMA match.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Former NFL player and current UFC athlete Josh Hokit has issued a public challenge to Jake Paul for a potential fight. Hokit argues that his physical size and age make him a legitimate contender for the boxing star.
Why it matters
The challenge highlights the ongoing intersection between professional football, mixed martial arts, and high-profile influencer boxing. Jake Paul continues to seek out high-stakes bouts, provided athletes are out of contract with major organizations.
Jake Paul has a standing $1 million bounty for any NFL player who can outperform him in the boxing ring. The potential bout remains theoretical as Paul mandates that UFC athletes be out of contract to face him.
The players
Josh Hokit
He is a former NFL player who transitioned into professional mixed martial arts and is currently signed to the UFC.
Jake Paul
He is a prominent media personality and professional boxer who actively seeks high-profile crossover matches.
Ciryl Gane
He is a professional mixed martial artist scheduled to compete against Josh Hokit.
The details
Josh Hokit, a former NFL player under contract with the UFC, claims that his parity in size and age makes him a uniquely difficult opponent for the influencer-turned-boxer. Jake Paul has requested that any interested opponents meet him in Puerto Rico to finalize fight details.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: Publication of the challenge.
2026: Josh Hokit is scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane.
Season Trajectory
This callout follows the 2026 Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua fight, where Paul suffered a knockout loss and a broken jaw. The prospect of a new opponent highlights the fluidity of the current crossover fighting landscape as Paul looks to recover his standing.
Hokit's challenge directly impacts the UFC 334 card, where he is currently scheduled to face Ciryl Gane. Any potential pivot to a boxing match with Jake Paul would require a significant change to Hokit's professional training rotation.
The takeaway
Crossover boxing matches continue to draw interest from athletes across different professional leagues. Maintaining a current contract with a major promotion like the UFC remains a primary obstacle for athletes seeking to compete against high-profile influencers.
Further reading
For more background on fighter matchups, visit our Mixed Martial Arts section.
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