UFC Star Josh Hokit to Fight Without Legendary Coach Greg Jackson

Hokit's longtime coach steps away from corner for 'personal reasons' ahead of high-profile White House bout.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:21am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring dynamic brushstrokes in neon shades of red, orange, and yellow, conveying the intense energy and physicality of an MMA fight.The absence of legendary coach Greg Jackson from Josh Hokit's corner adds an extra layer of drama and uncertainty to the UFC's high-stakes White House fight.Albuquerque Today

UFC heavyweight contender Josh Hokit announced that his longtime coach Greg Jackson will not be in his corner for his upcoming fight at the UFC White House event. Hokit, who is currently ranked in the top 5 of the heavyweight division, revealed the news on social media, stating that Jackson is stepping away for 'personal reasons' and that he will now be without a coach for the biggest fight of his career.

Why it matters

Greg Jackson is considered one of the greatest MMA coaches of all time, having trained numerous UFC champions and top contenders over the years at his renowned Jackson Wink gym in Albuquerque. His absence from Hokit's corner will be a significant loss for the rising heavyweight star as he prepares for the high-profile White House fight, which was arranged directly by President Donald Trump and UFC commentator Joe Rogan.

The details

Hokit, a former NFL player who has quickly risen up the UFC heavyweight ranks, earned his spot on the UFC White House card with an impressive victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327. However, just days before the big fight, Hokit revealed on social media that his longtime coach Greg Jackson will not be in his corner due to 'personal reasons.' Jackson, who has guided many champions at his Jackson Wink gym, has not yet commented on the reasons behind his decision to step away from Hokit's corner for this fight.

  • Hokit announced Jackson's withdrawal from his corner on April 18, 2026.
  • The UFC White House fight between Hokit and Derrick Lewis is scheduled for April 25, 2026.

The players

Josh Hokit

A rising UFC heavyweight contender who is currently ranked in the top 5 of the division. Hokit is set to headline the UFC White House event after earning the spot with a victory over Curtis Blaydes.

Greg Jackson

One of the most renowned and successful MMA coaches in the world, having trained numerous UFC champions and top contenders at his Jackson Wink gym in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Derrick Lewis

A top-ranked UFC heavyweight who will be Hokit's opponent in the main event of the UFC White House fight card.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who personally requested the UFC White House event to be arranged.

Joe Rogan

The longtime UFC color commentator who also helped facilitate the UFC White House fight card with President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“My coach Greg Jackson will not be coaching me on the White House fight for personal reasons... I don't have a coach now... Will the ring girls corner me please? Tag them for me.”

— Josh Hokit, UFC Heavyweight Contender

What’s next

The UFC has not yet announced if Hokit will be able to find a replacement coach in time for the high-profile White House fight against Derrick Lewis on April 25th.

The takeaway

The absence of legendary coach Greg Jackson from Josh Hokit's corner for the UFC White House fight is a significant blow to the rising heavyweight star, as he prepares for the biggest bout of his career without the guidance of one of the most respected minds in MMA. Hokit will need to quickly find a suitable replacement in order to have the best chance of victory against the dangerous Derrick Lewis.