Brown On UFC 334: Gane And Hokit Fighting For Second

Retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown says Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit are competing for second place when they meet for the undisputed heavyweight title at UFC 334.

Brown told MMA Fighting the real champion sits somewhere among Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, and Tom Aspinall — three fighters fans won't see in the cage anytime soon. Gane claimed the undisputed belt earlier this year after Aspinall vacated due to an eye injury suffered in their fight, but the Englishman never lost. Jones previously dominated Gane before relinquishing the strap, and Ngannou left the UFC in free agency while many still considered him the division's best.

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Why Aspinall Is Still the Real Champion

"The fact is it's very disputed," Brown said of the heavyweight title, per MMA Fighting. "These guys are fighting for second place unfortunately. That's just the reality of the business."

Brown believes Aspinall remains the uncrowned champion and would have a better shot at beating Hokit than Gane if he returns. The former welterweight contender described the UFC 334 main event as putting wild-card teams in the Super Bowl — a quality fight that won't settle who's truly best at heavyweight.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Polymarket UFC 334: Gane vs Hokit on Ticketmaster →

From a promotional standpoint, Brown thinks a Hokit victory gives the division a fresh start. Gane carries baggage from the Jones loss and the Aspinall controversy, even though he was winning both fights before the stoppages. The UFC will back whoever wins, Brown said, but Hokit as champion clears the slate better than another Gane reign.

UFC 334 takes place later this year with the heavyweight title on the line.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Matt Brown: Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit are ‘fighting for second place’ in the heavyweight division at UFC 334