Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman: UFC 324 Preview

5 months agoUS
Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman: UFC 324 PreviewSource: actionnetwork.com
A preview of the UFC 324 heavyweight fight between Josh Hokit and Denzel Freeman. Hokit, a former NFL player, brings his wrestling and football background into the MMA arena, while Freeman looks to utilize his size and reach advantage.

Key Insights

Josh Hokit is favored due to his superior athleticism and wrestling skills.

Denzel Freeman has a size and reach advantage, weighing 265 lbs compared to Hokit’s 236 lbs.

Hokit’s striking speed and cage wrestling are expected to be key factors in the fight.

Expert analysis suggests Hokit may win by knockout in later rounds due to his opponent's potential fatigue.

Hokit transitioned from an undrafted NFL player to an undefeated MMA fighter, showcasing his adaptability and athleticism.

Why this matters: This fight showcases the convergence of different athletic backgrounds in MMA. Hokit’s journey from football to MMA is a testament to his adaptability and fighting spirit.

In-Depth Analysis

Josh Hokit (7-0-0) faces Denzel Freeman (7-1-0) at UFC 324 in a battle of contrasting styles. Hokit, with a background in wrestling and a brief stint in the NFL, is known for his quickness and wrestling ability. Freeman, possessing a significant size and reach advantage, aims to control the fight with his strength.

Hokit’s transition from the NFL to MMA has been impressive, with all his wins coming inside the distance. His wrestling base gives him an edge in controlling the fight and dictating where it takes place. Freeman’s size and reach could pose problems for Hokit, but his previous performance showed a lack of urgency.

Sean Zerillo from Action Network projects an edge on Hokit’s knockout prop. He suggests considering Hokit to win in Round 2 (+500) or 3 (+850), anticipating that Hokit’s wrestling will wear down Freeman.

Betting analysts favor Hokit, viewing him as the superior athlete and cage wrestler. A strategic bet would be on Hokit winning in the later rounds, capitalizing on Freeman’s potential fatigue.

FAQs

Q: What are the odds for the Hokit vs. Freeman fight?

Hokit is favored at -225, while Freeman is at +185 (via DraftKings&ref=yanuki.com).

Q: Where is the fight taking place?

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Q: How did Josh Hokit transition to MMA?

After a brief NFL career, Hokit debuted in Bellator in 2023 and later secured a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series.

Q: What is Hokit’s fighting style?

Hokit combines his wrestling base with striking, focusing on quick finishes and exploiting openings.

Key Takeaways

Josh Hokit is the favorite due to his athleticism and wrestling skills, but Denzel Freeman has a significant size advantage.

Consider betting on Hokit to win in later rounds as his wrestling may wear down Freeman.

Hokit’s transition from NFL to MMA highlights his adaptability and fighting spirit.

This fight showcases the diverse athletic backgrounds that converge in MMA.

Discussion

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