Gane Edges Hokit In Five-Round Title Defense

Ciryl Gane kept his heavyweight title at UFC 334 but needed all five rounds to subdue a determined Josh Hokit in what ESPN described as a slugfest Saturday night.

Hokit pushed Gane harder than expected through the championship distance, forcing the titleholder to dig deep before pulling away late to secure the decision. The challenger matched the Frenchman's output for much of the fight before Gane took control in the final two frames.

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Gane Rallies Late To Retain Heavyweight Belt

According to the ESPN report, Gane found his rhythm in the later rounds after a competitive opening stretch. Hokit landed heavy shots early and made the champion uncomfortable at range, but Gane's conditioning and technical adjustments proved decisive down the stretch.

The result keeps Gane atop the heavyweight division heading into 2026. No details on his next assignment have been announced.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Gane taken to brink by game Hokit, edges out decision in UFC title slugfest