Din Thomas Backs Hokit To Thrive As UFC Champion

MMA analyst Din Thomas says Josh Hokit possesses the complete skill set to succeed as UFC heavyweight champion if he dethrones Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 this weekend.

The challenger meets Gane in Saturday's Madison Square Garden main event, where most observers expect the French titleholder to retain. But Thomas sees qualities in Hokit that remind him of Conor McGregor's peak impact on the sport, according to comments he made on the UFC's Deep Waters podcast.

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

Thomas Compares Hokit Package To McGregor Era

Thomas told Bloody Elbow that Hokit's combination of cage performance and promotional ability matches what McGregor delivered during his rise. The analyst specifically praised how the heavyweight contender operates both during fights and in the buildup.

Beyond drawing the McGregor parallel, Thomas outlined why a Hokit championship run would benefit the division. He pointed to the challenger's youth, willingness to stay active, and proven ability to drive ticket sales as assets that align with what fans want from a titleholder.

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

Not everyone buys into the Hokit approach. Gane recently brushed off his opponent's antics, saying the challenger "pretends he's a clown," per BJ Penn dot com. The champion appears unfazed by the pre-fight theatre that has divided opinion since Hokit entered the UFC roster.

The heavyweight title bout goes down Saturday night at UFC 334.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Din Thomas backs Josh Hokit to thrive if he becomes UFC heavyweight champion