TLDR
- Sean O’Malley publicly supports Josh Hokit to defeat Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 for the heavyweight championship
- O’Malley wants to see Hokit continue his controversial persona as UFC champion
- Hokit enters the title fight with just four UFC wins and a 10-0 professional record
- Dana White denied favoritism claims, saying he gave Hokit tough opponents who he defeated
- O’Malley admits Gane has fought higher-level competition but still backs the underdog Hokit
Sources: bjpenn.com | mmasucka.com | boxingnews.com
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has publicly stated he wants Josh Hokit to defeat Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 this Saturday. The heavyweight title fight takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
O’Malley shared his prediction in a recent YouTube video on his channel. “I want to see Josh Hokit win so bad,” O’Malley said.
The former champion explained he appreciates Gane’s technical style at heavyweight. However, O’Malley said he wants to see Hokit continue his controversial persona as champion.
💥🏆 Sean O'Malley wants Josh Hokit to BEAT Ciryl Gane and become UFC Heavyweight Champion.
“I want to see Josh Hokit win so bad. I want to see him continue this f*cking character and be just an absolute menace to the UFC.
I am nervous.”
🎥 @SugaSeanMMA pic.twitter.com/PAlY4cXTn0
— Full Mount MMA (@MMAFullMount) November 9, 2026
“I’m a big fan of Ciryl Gane. I love his style, I love how he can do that at heavyweight, but I want to see Josh Hokit win,” O’Malley stated. “I want to see him continue this f*cking character and be just an absolute menace to the UFC.”
Hokit’s Rapid Rise to Title Shot
Josh Hokit enters UFC 334 with just four UFC victories on his record. The 28-year-old has compiled a perfect 10-0 professional record, with three knockout wins in the UFC.
The American heavyweight earned his title shot with wins over Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes. He has also received three performance bonuses in his UFC appearances.
Hokit’s path to the championship has drawn attention due to his limited experience. The former NCAA wrestler and NFL fullback has become known for controversial comments that have upset UFC president Dana White.
White addressed criticism that Hokit received favorable matchmaking during a recent media day. “Hokit has been overlooked the whole time, not only by the fans and media, but me,” White said.
The UFC president admitted he gave Hokit difficult opponents because he disliked some of the fighter’s public statements. “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.
Experience Gap Concerns O’Malley
O’Malley acknowledged the experience difference between the two fighters in his YouTube video. He expressed nervousness about Hokit’s chances in a five-round championship fight.
“It’s a five-round fight with Ciryl Gane, who is one of the most experienced — he’s fought the best of the best,” O’Malley said. “His résumé is stacked.”
Gane holds a 14-2 professional record and has faced top-level heavyweight competition throughout his UFC career. The French champion has a kickboxing background that supplements his MMA experience.
O’Malley compared the quality of opponents each fighter has faced. “Josh Hokit’s fought Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes; good guys, nowhere near the level of guys Ciryl Gane’s fought,” he said.
Despite these concerns, O’Malley maintained his support for the challenger. His comments reflect the divided opinions in the MMA community about Hokit’s title opportunity.
The heavyweight championship fight headlines UFC 334 on Saturday night. Hokit will attempt to capture the title in just his fifth UFC appearance against the defending champion Gane.
