TLDR
- Josh Hokit will face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden
- Hokit says he’ll respond to any illegal strikes from Gane with his own fouls, promising to ‘out-cheat’ the champion
- Gane has been criticized for eye pokes against Tom Aspinall, a low blow against Jon Jones, and back-of-head shots against Alex Pereira
- The 28-year-old Hokit brings an undefeated 10-0 record with elite wrestling credentials from Fresno State
- Hokit also questioned Gane’s use of a mental health coach, saying his faith provides all the mental preparation he needs
Sources: yardbarker.com | ufc.com | onefootball.com
Josh Hokit has a plan if his UFC 334 title fight against Ciryl Gane turns dirty. The undefeated challenger says he won’t hesitate to respond with illegal strikes of his own if the champion starts breaking the rules.
Hokit outlined his strategy during an appearance on the Full Send podcast. “If he wants to eye poke me, I’m hitting him back of the head,” Hokit said. “He hits me in the back of the head; I’m hitting him low.”
The 28-year-old challenger clarified he won’t initiate any fouls. He said he will only retaliate if Gane throws illegal strikes first.
Josh Hokit was talking sh*t to Ciryl Gane during their first face off in Times Square 👀
🗣️ Hokit: "I thought you'd be taller. I'd still dunk on your b*tch ass. Zebi."
🗣️ Gane: "Zebi? What does it mean."
🗣️ Hokit: "You know exactly what that means." pic.twitter.com/vssg8Fjt2l
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 10, 2026
Gane has faced criticism throughout his career for landing fouls during fights. At UFC 285 in March 2023, he hit Jon Jones with a low blow in the opening minutes before losing by first-round submission.
In October 2025, Gane landed a double eye poke on Tom Aspinall that caused the fight to be ruled a no-contest. The eye poke resulted in medical issues for Aspinall, who vacated the belt without a proper defense.
Most recently at UFC White House in June 2026, Gane drew criticism for back-of-head shots against Alex Pereira. Referees have issued warnings to Gane during these championship fights but have not deducted points or disqualified him.
History of Controversial Strikes
Hokit told Ariel Helwani he would “out-cheat” Gane if necessary. However, he believes the champion won’t push things too far this time because the consequences could turn ugly.
Gane has maintained that all his fouls were unintentional. The French fighter, 36, holds a professional record of 14-2 and brings extensive striking experience to the matchup.
The challenger enters the fight with a perfect 10-0 record. Hokit stands 6-foot-1 with a 73-inch reach, giving up three inches in height and eight inches in reach to Gane.
Despite the size disadvantage, Hokit brings elite wrestling credentials as an All-American from Fresno State. He competed at 234 pounds and has won most of his fights by first-round knockout.
Hokit also played football before transitioning to MMA. He spent time on an NFL practice squad before focusing full-time on fighting.
Mental Preparation Under Scrutiny
Xtreme Couture coach Eric Nicksick described Hokit’s rapid rise as remarkable given his short time in the sport. “What he’s been able to put together in such a short amount of time is remarkable,” Nicksick told UFC writer E. Spencer Kyte.
Nicksick called Gane’s athleticism his best trait, comparing his movement to Dominick Cruz at heavyweight. The coach said opponents must “funnel” Gane and limit his space to neutralize his reach advantage.
Hokit also criticized Gane’s use of a mental health coach. “I don’t need anybody telling me that I’m not good enough,” Hokit said during the Full Send interview.
The challenger said his faith provides all the mental coaching he needs. He referenced his religious beliefs as the source of his confidence heading into the biggest fight of his career.
Referees have the authority to deduct points or disqualify fighters for fouls. Neither fighter would want to win or lose the heavyweight title due to a disqualification.
UFC 334 takes place on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The heavyweight title fight headlines the card with Gane defending the undisputed championship against Hokit.
