O'Malley On Hokit's UFC 334 Title Shot

Sean O'Malley wants Josh Hokit to pull off the upset at UFC 334 this weekend.

The bantamweight star told fans on his YouTube channel he is pulling for Hokit to beat Ciryl Gane in Saturday's heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden, according to MMA Fighting. O'Malley said he hopes the controversial newcomer can continue his chaotic run through the division. "I want to see Josh Hokit win so bad," he said. "I want to see him continue this character and be just an absolute menace to the UFC."

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Why O'Malley Thinks Hokit Can Win

O'Malley acknowledged the challenge Hokit faces against the experienced Frenchman, whose only losses came to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Gane claimed his second interim belt with a knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC White House this summer before being elevated to full champion when Tom Aspinall's injury recovery stalled. But O'Malley believes Hokit can steal momentum if he lands early and mixes in wrestling. Hokit signed with the UFC off Contender Series last year and has rattled off four straight wins despite having just 10 career MMA fights total after starting the sport in 2023.

O'Malley warned that Hokit will need to crack Gane on the chin, secure takedowns, and fatigue the kickboxer across five rounds. He praised Gane's résumé but said the 14-2 champion has faced far tougher competition than Hokit's recent victims Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes. Still, O'Malley said he is nervous about the outcome and wants to see Hokit's pro-wrestling antics continue.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Sean O’Malley is rooting for Josh Hokit at UFC 334 so he can continue to be ‘an absolute menace to the UFC’