Paddy Pimblett has made his feelings about Josh Hokit crystal clear, admitting that he would not like to see the heavyweight contender win the heavyweight title at UFC 334 this weekend because of his WWE-style persona.
Pimblett appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast this week, where he discussed Hokit's controversial approach to building his public image. The Liverpudlian took particular issue with what he sees as an artificial character, comparing the American's behavior to that of former UFC title challenger Colby Covington.
Pimblett did not hold back when explaining why he dislikes Hokit's act, even suggesting that a victory for the heavyweight over Ciryl Gane this Saturday would be bad for the sport.
“I think it’s bad for the sport if Josh Hokit wins. I think he’s a crazy wanker. As you know, I hate Colby Covington. I hate the acting, I hate the trying to be something you’re not. Just be yourself… why are you putting this act on and… ahh, it just pisses me off, lad,” Pimblett said.
During the conversation, Rogan brought up Renato Moicano as another fighter who uses humor and personality to entertain fans. However, Pimblett was quick to dismiss the comparison, arguing that Moicano's personality is genuine rather than manufactured.
“But (Moicano) is still himself, he’s not trying to be (something) he’s not. That’s just him, he’s a funny person anyway,” Pimblett explained.
The UFC lightweight then returned to his criticism of Hokit, taking particular issue with some of the heavyweight's exaggerated antics and on-camera behavior.
“When Hokit’s doing all that (mumbles) and he’s pretending to be sick on himself and stuff like that, you know what I mean?” he continued.
Pimblett also revisited his criticism of Covington, claiming that the former interim welterweight champion behaves very differently away from the cameras.
“Everything I’ve ever heard about Colby Covington is (that) behind the scenes he’s one of the nicest men. He’s one of the nicest fellas about, so when he’s the way he is on camera it’s like, ‘What are you doing?’”
