Josh Hokit, brother of Bellator veteran Isaiah Hokit, was a successful dual-sport athlete at Fresno State in both football and wrestling, earning All-American status twice in the latter. After a brief stint in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, Hokit transitioned over to MMA. Hokit made his professional debut at Bellator 300 last year, submitting Spencer Smith.

 

Sean Rose made his professional MMA debut in 2022, bringing a Muay Thai style with explosiveness in his strikes along with an endurance-filled pace. Rose is 2-2 (1 NC), having competed for notable regional promotions. The San Diego native last fought in June, scoring a first-round finish of Chadricc Kindle.

 

Which heavyweight will make an impression here?

 

 

Round 1

 

The two meet in the center. Hokit throws a left jab. Rose flashes his jab. Hokit shows a right hand that backs Rose up. Left hand from Rose. The two throw, looking for combinations inside. Hokit shoots in for a takedown, but Rose stops it and throws a round kick. Hokit goes in again, and he succeeds on the takedown this time. Hokit looks to ride and he manages to step over to the back. Hokit lands a left hand as he tries to flatten Rose out. Rose resists, but Hokit manages to get the hooks in. Right hand by Hokit. Hokit lands a series of left hands to the body.

 

Rose gets Hokit off his back, but Hokit gets right into full mount. Hokit looks for an arm-triangle and he’s squeezing. Rose manages to work his way out of the submission attempt. Hokit now looks for a kimura, but the two are too close to the cage for Hokit to fully lock it in. Hokit lands a couple of hammerfists. Hokit with a little more ground-and-pound before going in for a choke. Hokit quickly abandons it and looks to continue with his ground strikes. Hokit looks for an armbar as the 10-second warning sounds! Hokit scores the submission with three seconds left in the first round!

 

 

Josh Hokit moves to 2-0 as a pro in dominant and highlight fashion!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Josh Hokit def. Sean Rose via first-round submission (armbar, 4:57)