Gane Dismisses Foul Accusations Ahead Of UFC 334

Ciryl Gane won't address accusations that fouls delivered him the UFC heavyweight title when he defends the belt against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 this weekend.

The heavyweight champion's path to gold has drawn sustained criticism. Gane's eye pokes against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 left the then-champion with vision problems severe enough to keep him sidelined while Gane captured an interim title. When Aspinall couldn't return, the promotion elevated Gane to undisputed status. Alex Pereira later claimed Gane landed illegal strikes to the back of the head during their interim title clash, amplifying questions about the Frenchman's methods, MMA Fighting reports.

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Champion Attributes Criticism To Jealousy Over His Success

In an interview with RMC Sports Combat, Gane framed the backlash as opponents refusing to accept defeat. He suggested rivals resent losing to someone who entered MMA later in life and maintains a calm demeanor. The champion said his gym work contains no tactical eye-gouging, laughing at the notion during the conversation.

Gane told the outlet he has no plans to mount a public defense. "I'm not here to try and convince anyone," he said, according to MMA Fighting's coverage. His focus stays on elements within his control rather than online discourse, and he emphasized respecting opponents by beating them.

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Challenger Hokit has built his heavyweight climb partly through pro-wrestling theatrics and verbal attacks. Gane said mental coaching helps him stay centered against such tactics. He described Hokit's approach as designed to rattle certain fighters but noted some of it registers as entertaining rather than threatening.

The title fight headlines UFC 334 on Saturday.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Ciryl Gane rejects fouling criticism before UFC 334: ‘I’m not here to try and convince anyone’