Gane Backed At UFC 334 Despite Hokit's Rise

Ciryl Gane defends his heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden, with the Frenchman holding significant advantages in both experience and size over the challenger.

Gane was promoted to undisputed champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt due to ongoing health issues. The new titleholder stopped Alex Pereira earlier this year on the White House lawn to cement himself among the division's elite. Hokit enters the bout on a streak, looking to cap his rapid ascent with a heavyweight title at the iconic venue.

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Harrison Returns Against Nunes In Co-Main

The co-main event brings Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes back to face women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. The two were longtime teammates at American Top Team-Florida earlier in their careers. The card also features lightweight debutant Samuel Sanches, who earned a viral knockout on Dana White's Contender Series last year and enters the UFC with three straight finishes.

Dominick Cruz views Gane as the worst stylistic matchup for Hokit, according to BJPenn.com. For the first time in his UFC run, Hokit will face an opponent with similar speed and versatility on the feet. Gane showed improved takedown defense against Aspinall in a small sample, withstanding early attempts without issue.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →

Unbeaten middleweight Donte Johnson meets Cezar Almeida on the undercard. Johnson has stopped seven of his nine opponents in the first round, including a brutal one-punch knockout of Eric McConico at UFC 330. The 38-year-old Almeida has dropped two lopsided decisions over the past year.

UFC 334 first bell is scheduled for Saturday evening.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — UFC 334 Best Bets: Ciryl Gane, debutant shine at MSG