Pereira is set to fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title on June 14, while Josh Hokit is scheduled to fight Derrick Lewis on the same card. At a UFC Freedom 250 promotional presser in Newark, Hokit launched an unprovoked rant against Pereira while Topuria sat beside Pereira. Topuria intervened when Hokit made offensive remarks, throwing a bottle or bottle cap at Hokit’s face. Security removed Hokit before the situation escalated further. Pereira expressed gratitude to Topuria for backing him and said he does not want to give Hokit attention. Pereira described Hokit as a problematic person who does not get along with family and friends, and said he will keep his composure during fight week.
"Pereira (13-3) is grateful to Topuria for having his back. As for Hokit, "Poatan" doesn't want to give him undue attention. The former two-division champion, aiming for a third title, believes Hokit is a "problematic" character who doesn't get along well with his own family and friends. Pereira plans to maintain his composure in the face of Hokit's antics during the UFC Freedom 250 fight week. However, if Hokit is able to get physically close to pull off some stunt, Pereira will blame the UFC for the lapse."
"With a fast-growing friendship between the Topuria and Pereira, "El Matador" stood up to defend his friend against Hokit's insults. While Pereira isn't fluent in English, Topuria was enraged when Hokit said he would "Chama on Pereira's Mama." Topuria told Hokit that Pereira doesn't need to answer him before throwing a bottle of water at the heavyweight fighter. Security personnel stepped in before things could escalate and escorted Hokit out of the media scrum."
"During a promotional presser for UFC Freedom 250 at Newark last month, Hokit went on an unprovoked rant against Pereira. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria looks to defend his lightweight title on the same card against interim champion Justin Gaethje on the same card. Topuria was sitting next to Pereira at the presser when Hokit launched his tirade."
""I don't understand English, and I think Topuria felt bad," Pereira told MMAjunkie.com. "Topuria saw that and he stepped up as a brother. Ilia threw the bottle or bottle cap at Hokit's face when he saw that he was going too far. To me, Hokit, I don't even want to talk about that guy. He's the kind of guy who doesn't get alo"
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