A top UFC analyst is concerned that heavyweight star Josh Hokit’s recklessness could prevent him from fighting for a title.

UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit will look to continue his meteoric rise when he clashes against fan favorite Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 next month. Hokit vs. Lewis is part of a seven-fight card on the White House lawn headlined by two massive title fights.

After a ‘Fight of the Year’ frontrunner against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327, Hokit’s stock soared after U.S. President Donald Trump requested that the polarizing star fight on the upcoming White House card. Hokit, a Dana White’s Contender Series alum, has showcased a reckless style on the microphone and inside the Octagon.

Hokit could potentially be one win away from a title shot if he gets past Lewis on the White House lawn. But a top UFC analyst believes Hokit will need to make major changes to his in-cage style to make the most of his title window.

Anthony Smith: Josh Hokit takes too much damage to make potential title run

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, UFC analyst Anthony Smith expressed concern for Hokit’s fighting future if he doesn’t make significant changes.

“I would like to see him wrestle a little bit more and keep himself out of those firefights to add longevity to his career,” Smith said of Hokit. “It would be nice to get in and out with a couple of dominant wins over top guys without taking that kind of damage. He’s got a high ceiling in my opinion.”

“He makes me nervous. I like Hokit. I like everything about him. I’m not necessarily a huge fan of his gimmick, but if he fights the way he fought Blaydes, say whatever the f*ck you want. You can do whatever you want if you fight that way. If you fight like that, though, you ain’t got to say sh*t. So I’m not a huge fan of the gimmick, but I’m not going to knock anyone’s hustle, either.

“He gets hit a lot. Jimmy Smith told me, ‘Guys that take a lot of damage on their way to the title, you’re going to struggle to see them in title fights or winning titles.'”

Hokit’s durability will be put to the test against Lewis. Entering UFC Freedom 250, Lewis is the UFC’s all-time knockouts leader.

What is your prediction for Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis? Let us know in the comments!