Volkov On Hokit's UFC Title Shot

Alexander Volkov says he supports Josh Hokit getting a UFC heavyweight title shot before him.

Hokit will challenge Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight belt at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, despite never beating a top-five opponent. Volkov, who lost a controversial split decision to Gane at UFC 310 in December 2024, has been passed over for the rematch despite UFC CEO Dana White saying at the time that the judges had screwed him.

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Volkov's Sarcastic Take On Hokit Title Shot

Speaking to Yahoo Sports, per MMA Mania, Volkov delivered an extended deadpan takedown of the matchmaking. "I want to be honest with you. I'm very supportive of this fight from the UFC," he said. "I have a lot of reasons that this fight should happen because Josh Hokit, from what I know about him, is clearly dealing with some mental illness. So, it's very admirable for UFC to put a guy with a serious mental condition in a title shot."

Volkov kept the bit going, arguing that giving Hokit the shot sends a powerful message. He added that he can wait a little longer for his own opportunity, having competed in the Octagon for nearly a decade.

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The Russian heavyweight faces Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24. If both he and Hokit win their next fights, Volkov made clear he wants the winner. "Josh Hokit could win, and if he wins and I win mine, I could kick his head off his shoulders," he told Yahoo Sports. "It doesn't matter if he has a mental problem or not."

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Alexander Volkov is ‘supportive’ of ‘mentally ill’ Josh Hokit getting UFC Heavyweight title shot – ‘An incredibly inspiring story’