When Daniel Cormier challenged Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title in the UFC 182 main event on Jan. 3, 2015, he lost a unanimous decision and walked away with a $90,000 disclosed purse. Meanwhile, Jones took home $500,000 with no win bonus.
Cormier actually earned only 18% of the champion’s pay following that bout. Even non-title fighters on the same card, like Donald Cerrone’s $140,000 and Hector Lombard’s $106,000, out-earned Cormier’s base pay.
Undefeated heavyweight contender Josh Hokit has no plans to let that happen to him. The knockout artist is gearing up to challenge Ciryl Gane for the belt Saturday at UFC 334 main event. He earned this title opportunity less than a year after his UFC debut.
So, he recently referenced Cormier’s Jones payday to explain why he embraces an unapologetic way of speaking on the mic.
Josh Hokit Credits Villain Act for Fast Pay Raise Inside the UFC
Hokit has climbed the heavyweight ranks quickly since joining the UFC. The American is coming off a victory over Derrick Lewis. He holds an undefeated 10-0 record, despite having just four Octagon appearances. Now, he stands inches away from achieving the biggest glory of his career.
However, the persona he carries has not been welcoming to everyone. With his bandana and polarized sunglasses, the heel character he portrays has consistently ignited backlash. Even UFC CEO Dana White admitted he disliked some of Hokit’s antics.
But “The Incredible Hok” doesn’t care what fans or the UFC brass think, knowing that his polarizing character played a major role in his rapid ascent. When Cormier, as a critic, recently questioned whether the trash talk helps, Hokit said publicity helps him chase bigger paydays.
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He claimed Cormier fought Jones for just $50,000, prompting Cormier to correct the figure to $80,000 and explain that it happened early in his UFC run. The 28-year-old former Fresno State wrestler refused to take that same slow path.
He said, “I’m not going through that. I don’t want anyone to lowball me. If I gotta crack a few eggs to make an omelette, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Josh Hokit and Daniel Cormier debate whether Hokit’s controversial comments are helping or hurting his career:
🗣️ Hokit: “You fought Jon Jones for $50K. I’m not going through that. I don’t want anyone to lowball me. If I gotta crack a few eggs to make an omlette, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
(via @dc_mma)
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 11, 2026
The numbers back up his strategy. Hokit has collected four post-fight bonuses across his first four UFC appearances, including a $200,000 double bonus for his decision win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.
Hokit believes his villain act helped him earn that money faster. He also claimed he earned seven figures in his first seven months with the promotion and expects to make $3 million to $4 million by the end of 2026.
Josh Hokit’s UFC 334 Title Shot Gives Him Leverage Daniel Cormier Lacked Early
Cormier needed years to close that pay gap. He earned $180,000, including a $90,000 win bonus, for beating Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in 2015. He did not reach a $500,000 base purse until years later, including his heavyweight title win at UFC 226 in 2018. By contrast, Hokit has reached a title fight in just four UFC appearances.
Despite his fast rise, Gane will still make much more on Saturday. UFCalendar projects a $718,000 base purse for Gane, compared to $181,000 in show money for Hokit, or up to $394,000 with a win bonus and compliance pay.
If Hokit beats the champion, he gets the belt and the leverage Cormier lacked early in his career. Otherwise, he loses his unbeaten streak, and his gimmick likely won’t draw interest like before.
