Hokit Pursues Heavyweight Crown At UFC 334
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Josh Hokit challenges Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on Saturday, capping an undefeated run that has stunned critics and earned him a shot at the crown. Twelve months ago, Hokit had just debuted with a win over Max Gimenis. Now he sits one fight away from becoming champion.
The path forward raises questions about legitimacy. Gane became undisputed champion when Tom Aspinall remained sidelined over a year after suffering an eye injury in their fight. Gane later beat Alex Pereira to claim an interim belt before the promotion elevated him. Hokit, meanwhile, delivered what MMA Fighting called potentially the best fight of 2026 in his wild brawl with Curtis Blaydes.
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Who Rules Heavyweight After UFC 334
MMA Fighting's Alexander K. Lee argues the winner on Saturday deserves the top ranking, with Aspinall forced to work his way back. "Whoever wins Saturday will be my new No. 1 heavyweight, and Aspinall has to once again earn his spot," Lee wrote. Damon Martin agrees, noting Aspinall's return date remains unclear and Gane has now beaten Pereira and defends his title Saturday.
Jed Meshew dissents. "The winner is the title holder, nothing more," he wrote, calling the undisputed label premature while Aspinall's shadow still looms. The Brit could return in 2027, leaving the division's hierarchy unsettled regardless of Saturday's result.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Polymarket UFC 334: Gane vs Hokit on Ticketmaster →
The co-main event pits bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison against Amanda Nunes in what MMA Fighting's Martin called "potentially the greatest women's MMA fight in history." Nunes returns after three years away to challenge Harrison, who captured the belt after moving from PFL. Both outlets suggest retirement could follow for either fighter, given the thin state of the 135-pound ranks.
UFC 334 takes place Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Aspinall's camp has not confirmed a target date for his return.
Reported via:
- MMA Fighting — UFC 334 roundtable: Is Josh Hokit about to be the one true heavyweight king?
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