Josh Hokit is the new sensation in the heavyweight division of the UFC. He further established his presence as the ultimate powerhouse in the division after dominantly defeating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. Besides, he is sharp on his microphone, confident in doing trash talks, and entertaining audiences in his interviews. The heavyweight contender rarely fails to make headlines whenever he speaks.
As his popularity continues to grow, fans have become increasingly curious about his life outside the Octagon. This includes his tattoos that cover almost half of his upper body. In MMA, fighters’ tattoos are not random; each symbolizes something. Either they have been through it, or it represents something closer to their soul.
Let’s have a closer look at Josh Hokit’s tattoos and the meanings behind them.
What does Josh Hokit’s Lion Chest Tattoo mean?
The first and foremost tattoo of Josh Hokit is a massive crowned lion tattoo that is centered on the chest. Created with complete black ink, the tattoo runs from just below his neck to his upper abdomen.
Although Hokit hasn’t publicly explained the backstory of his tattoo in detail. But, from everything he has portrayed in the UFC, the symbolism is consistent with his personality.
Traditionally, a lion represents leadership, power, and self-pride. Hokit carries himself like a man who never once doubted he belonged in the conversation. The confident trash talk at UFC Freedom Event to Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria clearly states that The Incredible Hok is full of self-pride and isn’t afraid of anyone.
And to the fact, Charles Oliveira also has a lion tattoo. But Oliveira’s tattoo covers his back. Hokit wears his on his chest, front and centre.
The Spartan Arm Sleeve: Josh Hokit’s Most Detailed Tattoo
Josh Hokit’s arm ink is just as eye-catching as the chest piece. Tattooed by artist OC Junior IV Thomas, the impressive sleeve stretches from his shoulder to his elbow and centers around a heavily detailed Spartan warrior.
Standing face-to-face with the warrior is a young boy, who appears tiny in comparison. Viewed from behind, the boy’s body language suggests a mix of fear and determination. If looked closely, it seems that he is standing his ground despite being overwhelmed by the figure in front of him. The full sleeve is dark, layered, and clearly took painstakingly serious hours. Next to this sits what appears to be a wolf, surrounded by trees and geometric shapes.
The scene feels open to interpretation, but it appears to tell a story about courage in the face of overwhelming odds. The massive Spartan warrior represents strength and power, while the young boy stands his ground despite looking outmatched. Whether it symbolizes fear, growth, or overcoming challenges, the tattoo reflects a willingness to face difficult situations head-on rather than back away from them.
For a man who was a 2x All-American wrestler at Fresno State before playing for the San Francisco 49ers and then going 9-0 in MMA, those themes aren’t random. Hokit’s career has been built on constantly testing himself against bigger challenges. Thus, making the tattoo feel like a reflection of the journey that brought him to the UFC. But the story of his inkings doesn’t end here.
The Bible Verse Tattoo on Josh Hokit’s Arm (Zechariah 4:6)
No matter how much time a fighter spends in the gym, many believe success requires more than just physical preparation. And a bit of faith in a higher power. And looking at Josh Hokit’s arm tattoo, seems to be a testament to that. Faith appears to play a pivotal role in the heavyweight contender’s mind.
Among the Spartan-themed artwork on his arm is a religious quote written in Gothic lettering along the inner side of his forearm: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” Separating the two parts of the verse is an image of a young child sitting alone in the darkness, surrounded by towering trees. The combination of the artwork and the quote gives the tattoo a deeper symbolism than a typical motivational phrase.
For a heavyweight who finishes fights with his hands, choosing a tattoo about the limits of raw power is an interesting choice. It’s a reminder that Hokit’s identity isn’t just built on physicality. The fact that he chose to permanently ink the verse on his body shows how earnestly he takes that belief.
Josh Hokit’s Leg Tattoo (A Spartan Fighting a Lion)
Not many people talk about this tattoo, but it could be one of the coolest pieces in Josh Hokit’s tattoo collection.
Covering much of his left calf, from just below the knee to the ankle, is a dark, highly detailed tattoo of another Spartan warrior battling with a lion. Think about that for a second: the same body that carries a crowned lion on its chest also has a warrior fighting a lion on its leg.
Whether the connection between the two tattoos is intentional or simply a coincidence can be left to the reader’s discretion. However, the contrast is hard to ignore. One tattoo features a lion as a symbol of strength and authority, while the other shows a Spartan warrior fighting one.
It’s the kind of detailing that often goes unnoticed, but once you spot it, it adds another layer to the image Hokit has built around himself.
