O'Malley Backs Hokit For UFC 334 Upset
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Sean O'Malley is pulling for Josh Hokit to claim the UFC heavyweight championship this weekend despite the challenger's experience deficit.
The former bantamweight titleholder revealed his preference during a recent YouTube segment, saying he finds Hokit's controversial approach entertaining and wants the fighter to succeed at UFC 334, BJ Penn reported. O'Malley conceded that defending champion Ciryl Gane brings a far deeper competitive history to Saturday's bout.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →
Experience Gap Favours Gane At UFC 334
"I want to see Josh Hokit win so bad," O'Malley said, according to MMA Fighting. The striker praised Gane's technical skill at heavyweight but added that watching Hokit succeed as a disruptive figure appeals to him more.
O'Malley highlighted the disparity in opposition quality. Gane's 14-2 record includes top-tier matchups built during a decorated kickboxing career, while Hokit's notable victories over Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes don't match that standard. The full 25-minute championship distance against a polished technician represents Hokit's toughest assignment yet.
🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →
The outspoken heavyweight challenger has built his profile through inflammatory comments and deliberate attempts to antagonize rivals. Whether that energy translates into cage success against elite competition remains the central question heading into Madison Square Garden.
First bell for the UFC 334 main event is Saturday night in New York City.
Photo by Nemesia Production on Unsplash
Original reporting:
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