In the world of mixed martial arts, where personalities often clash both inside and outside the cage, Sean Strickland has never been one to hold back his opinions. And now, the controversial middleweight contender is taking aim at rising UFC star Josh Hokit—not for his fighting skills, but for his promotional style.

Hokit, who goes by "The Incredible Hok," has quickly become one of the most talked-about newcomers in the UFC. His rapid rise to stardom has been fueled by over-the-top, pro wrestling-style promos that push the boundaries of good taste. From calling out opponents in theatrical fashion to making personal jabs—like his infamous comment about Curtis Blaydes' parents—Hokit has carved out a niche that's equal parts entertaining and polarizing.

But while fans might be divided, Strickland is firmly in the "not a fan" camp. Known for his own unfiltered and often shocking trash talk, Strickland sees something different in Hokit's approach: he calls it "fake and fabricated."

"I'll see a clip and I'll shut it right away," Strickland admitted during a recent appearance on UFC on Paramount. "To me, it's too much. It's so fake and fabricated."

What really gets under Strickland's skin? Hokit's habit of interviewing random people on the streets—a tactic that Strickland compares to an aging influencer trying too hard to stay relevant.

"You're mid-30s, and you're trying to be an influencer," Strickland said, shaking his head. "Stop dude. Shut the f**k up. Be yourself. Go train."

Despite the criticism, Strickland is quick to clarify that he holds no personal grudge against Hokit. In fact, he admits they've trained together and that Hokit is genuinely a nice guy. But for Strickland, authenticity matters—even in a sport built on bravado.

"I respect him for doing it," Strickland conceded. "But I guess what you're doing is working."

And working it is. The undefeated Hokit (9-0) has earned bonuses for all three of his UFC wins, including both "Fight of the Night" and "Performance of the Night" honors for his unanimous decision victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 last month. That performance caught the attention of none other than President Donald Trump, who was in attendance and reportedly requested Hokit be booked for the upcoming UFC White House: Freedom 250 card.

Hokit is now set to face Derrick Lewis (29-13) on June 14, a testament to the UFC's belief in their rising star. Meanwhile, Strickland has his own big fight on the horizon: a middleweight title clash against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

For Strickland, the message is clear: be yourself, train hard, and let the work speak for itself. As for Hokit? Well, his approach might not win over everyone—but it's certainly winning fights.