Gane Fires Back At Cheating Claims Before UFC 334

Ciryl Gane dismissed accusations of dirty fighting ahead of his UFC 334 heavyweight title defense this weekend, telling critics he remains unbothered by the cheater label that has followed him through two controversial bouts.

The French champion faces undefeated contender Josh Hokit at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Gane enters the matchup carrying unwanted baggage from his no-contest finish against Tom Aspinall at UFC 321, where a double eye poke left the Brit with serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries, and his interim title win over Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250, after which Pereira accused him of landing illegal strikes to the back of the head during the stoppage sequence. MMA Mania reports that Gane addressed the scrutiny in recent interviews, insisting the fouls were accidental.

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

Gane Stands By His Record Despite Controversy

"I'm confident in who I am when I look in a mirror," Gane told RMC, per MMA Mania. "I know I'm not a cheater." The 36-year-old pointed to referees and top fighters who have defended him, saying the facts support his case. During a Paramount interview, he said officials have told him there is nothing unusual about his conduct in the cage, and that respected voices in the sport have pushed back against the narrative.

Former champions Dominick Cruz and T.J. Dillashaw recently backed Gane, arguing his infractions were unintentional. Hokit has played into the drama, posting footage of himself training blindfolded to prepare for a potential eye poke. Gane can deny the accusations all he wants, but a clean finish on Saturday would go further than any interview in silencing his critics.

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

UFC 334 airs live from New York on November 14.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC 334’s Ciryl Gane fires back at ‘cheater’ accusations — ‘I know who I am’