UFC 334 Features Ciryl Gane Defending Heavyweight Title

Ciryl Gane defends his heavyweight title against Josh Hokit in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Championship Stakes at Madison Square Garden

In the main event, Ciryl Gane (14-2) seeks his first defense of the undisputed heavyweight championship against the outspoken and undefeated Josh Hokit (10-0). Gane, the only French-born fighter in history to hold a version of a UFC title, was elevated to undisputed status following the vacancy left by Tom Aspinall, who stepped away due to complications from an eye injury sustained during his own bout with Gane.

The co-main event features Kayla Harrison, one of five Olympic gold medalists to compete in the UFC, facing the returning Amanda Nunes for the women’s bantamweight title. The card also highlights middleweight up-and-comer Yousri Belgaroui, who is 3-0 in his Octagon career with knockouts of Djorden Santos, Mansur Abdul-Malik, and Azamat Bekoev. Belgaroui faces harder competition against Caio Borralho.

Fighter Profiles and Paths to the Octagon

Gane, a 36-year-old nicknamed “Bon Gamin” or “the good kid,” stands 6-foot-4 with an 81-inch reach. He is regarded as an exceptionally mobile heavyweight with elite range striking. Conversely, the 28-year-old Hokit stands 6-foot-1 with a 73-inch reach and is characterized as a physical wrestler who utilizes strong pressure. Hokit’s rapid ascension to a title shot—occurring within a single year of his debut—has polarized the MMA community.

UFC CEO Dana White said that he intentionally matched Hokit against difficult opponents, including Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes, due to the challenger’s controversial public remarks.

“I didn't like some of the things he said, so I might've thrown some tough guys at him, and he passed every test,” White explained. Former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez acknowledged that Hokit has proven his fighting ability and deserves the opportunity, comparing his approach to that of Conor McGregor.

No, I think Josh is gonna surprise people on [Saturday]. He’s complete, you know? I think way, way more complete than Gane is. So I think Hokit, yeah, is going to surprise a lot of people with the great wrestling, great hands, as you’ve seen.

Cain Velasquez, former multi-time UFC heavyweight champion

Controversy and Conduct

Gane’s tenure as champion has been marked by disputes, with opponents such as Alexander Volkov, Serghei Spivac, Tai Tuivasa, and Jon Jones publicly complaining about Gane’s tactics. Gane, however, remains unfazed by the criticism, stating at the UFC 334 media day that he has nothing to say to referees and believes the reality of his performance is the opposite of the narratives presented by his detractors.

Before the bout, the two fighters engaged in a bizarre private exchange. Gane revealed that Hokit messaged him claiming superiority in basketball, stating, “I’d beat you at basketball. I won’t beat you at soccer because soccer is a wimp’s sport. And I’d beat you in MMA too.” Gane admitted the message caught him by surprise and made him laugh.

Predictions and Legacy

Stipe Miocic, who retired at Madison Square Garden in 2024, favors Gane due to his experience, noting that while Hokit is a wrestler who hits hard, he must be careful to keep his hands up. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley has publicly backed Hokit, expressing a desire to see him continue his “menace” persona as champion.

The card also serves as a final chapter for welterweight veteran Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. The 43-year-old, who has competed in the UFC since 2012 and fought Tyron Woodley for the title twice, confirmed that his featured preliminary bout against Charles Radtke will be the final appearance of his career.

As the event approaches, Jorge Masvidal has reportedly placed a $200,000 wager on Hokit, seeking a potential $1,000,000 payout should the challenger dethrone the champion.

More on this story: Ciryl Gane vs Josh Hokit Heavyweight Title Fight November 14 · Josh Hokit Fights Cyril Gane for UFC Heavyweight Title