Velasquez On Hokit's McGregor Similarities At UFC 334

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez believes Josh Hokit will upset Ciryl Gane for the title at UFC 334 this Saturday.

Hokit challenges Gane in the main event at Madison Square Garden after going 3-0 in 2026, including a Fight of the Year candidate against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 and a finish of Derrick Lewis at UFC White House. The challenger has drawn criticism for controversial comments aimed at opponents, their families, and public figures — behavior that caught the attention of UFC CEO Dana White.

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Velasquez Compares Hokit To McGregor, Picks Challenger

Velasquez told MMA Fighting that Hokit has earned his shot through proven performances but also by taking a page from Conor McGregor's playbook. "He's also taking the route, somewhat of a Conor McGregor, to speak in a way that creates tension," the former champion said.

Gane became undisputed champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt following two controversial fights. An October 2025 no-contest with Aspinall came from an eye poke, and Gane's interim title win over Alex Pereira at UFC White House drew scrutiny over illegal strikes to the back of the head during the finish.

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Velasquez expects Hokit to exploit gaps in the Frenchman's game. "I think way, way more complete than Gane is," he said. "When the time comes to fight in a big stage, that's the hardest part where everybody's watching. He's proven that. I see him winning this fight."

UFC 334 takes place Saturday night in New York City.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Cain Velasquez compares Josh Hokit to Conor McGregor, predicts UFC 334 main event