A bold heavyweight prediction is making the rounds after Chael Sonnen said Josh Hokit could be wearing UFC gold by the end of 2026. Sonnen laid out that scenario while discussing the division’s uncertain title picture and the questions surrounding current champion Tom Aspinall.
According to Sonnen, the road to that outcome is still difficult to map out because so much depends on whether Aspinall fights at all. Sonnen said he supports Aspinall, but added that based on what he has heard publicly, the situation remains murky. He also pointed to Eddie Hearn’s publicly stated advice that Aspinall should not fight right now, framing that as a major complication for the division.
Sonnen acknowledged the obvious obstacle in his prediction: Aspinall currently holds the belt, and the winner of a possible Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane matchup would likely deserve the first crack at the title. Even with that traffic at the top, Sonnen said that if the necessary fights can be made, he believes Hokit can emerge from the chaos and become heavyweight champion.
That is a significant statement in a division that has often moved more slowly than fans and contenders would like. If Aspinall stays active, the title picture could stabilize quickly. If he does not, the UFC may be forced to reshuffle the pecking order, creating an opening for rising names like Hokit to climb faster than expected.
For Hokit, the stakes are clear. He would need to prove he belongs in the same conversation as the established contenders and show he can handle the kind of spotlight that comes with a title push at heavyweight. Sonnen’s prediction may sound aggressive now, but in a division known for sudden turnarounds, it is the kind of claim that will be watched closely over the next several months.