Josh Hokit has no shortage of confidence before the biggest fight of his career. The undefeated heavyweight believes his background gives him tools that could trouble Ciryl Gane.The latest Josh Hokit Ciryl Gane storyline centers on Hokit comparing himself with Jon Jones. Jones famously needed just over two minutes to submit Gane in 2023. Hokit believes his own athletic and wrestling credentials give him important advantages heading into UFC 334.
Josh Hokit Makes Confident Jon Jones Comparison
Josh Hokit 10-0-0 will challenge Gane for the undisputed heavyweight championship on November 14. During his latest appearance with Ariel Helwani, the 28-year-old discussed the matchup and Gane’s previous opponents.
Hokit pointed toward his wrestling background and athletic ability when discussing Jones. His comments were a statement of self-belief rather than proof that he has surpassed one of MMA’s most accomplished fighters.
Hokit Believes His Wrestling Can Trouble Gane
Hokit’s confidence comes partly from his competitive wrestling background. He became an NCAA All-American at Fresno State while also playing college football.
That experience gives Hokit a different foundation from many UFC heavyweights. Wrestling could become especially important because Gane has encountered serious grappling problems during previous championship fights.
Jon Jones Submitted Gane in Just Over Two Minutes
Jon Jones 28-1-0, 1 NC provided the clearest example at UFC 285 in March 2023. Gane entered that fight hoping to capture the vacant heavyweight championship.
Jones quickly closed the distance, secured a takedown and finished Gane with a guillotine choke. The official stoppage came just 2:04 into Round 1.
Francis Ngannou Also Found Success Through Wrestling
Gane’s loss to Francis Ngannou offered another relevant example. Ngannou changed tactics after struggling during the early striking exchanges at UFC 270.
Francis Ngannou 19-3-0 used four successful takedowns to control significant portions of the championship fight. He eventually earned a unanimous decision despite entering the contest with serious knee injuries.
Those two fights make grappling an obvious talking point before Hokit meets Gane.
Hokit Has Already Passed a Major Wrestling Test
Hokit faced one of the UFC heavyweight division’s most established wrestlers earlier this year. He defeated Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision at UFC 327.
That fight did not become a wrestling showcase. Instead, Hokit survived a demanding three-round battle and maintained a relentless pace against the veteran contender.
He later strengthened his title claim by stopping Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250. Those victories pushed him rapidly toward the top of the heavyweight division.
Ciryl Gane Has Improved Since the Jones Defeat
Ciryl Gane 14-2-0, 1 NC is not entering UFC 334 as the same fighter Jones faced three years ago. The Frenchman has continued developing while competing against elite heavyweights.
His later performances provided signs of improved takedown defense. Gane also returned to championship status after stopping Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.
That makes using the Jones fight as a complete blueprint risky. Hokit must still find a way through Gane’s movement, speed and technical striking.
Hokit Faces a Major Striking Challenge
Hokit may have confidence in his wrestling, but getting close enough to use it presents the real challenge. Gane remains one of the heavyweight division’s most mobile strikers.
The French champion uses his jab, kicks and movement to manage distance. Hokit will need to pressure without absorbing unnecessary damage during his attempts to close the gap.
His performance against Blaydes showed that he can maintain a high pace. Gane, however, presents a completely different striking problem.
UFC 334 Gives Hokit His First Championship Opportunity
Hokit’s rise has happened remarkably quickly. He earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2025.
Four UFC victories later, he will compete for heavyweight gold at Madison Square Garden. The UFC 334 date, venue and start time are already confirmed for one of the promotion’s biggest remaining events of 2026.
Gane will make his first defense as undisputed champion. Hokit enters the matchup undefeated and ranked No. 4 in the division.
Gane Became Champion After Tom Aspinall Vacated
Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the heavyweight championship changed the division. Lingering problems with his injured eye prevented him from moving forward with another title fight.
The UFC subsequently elevated Gane from interim to undisputed champion. Gane had captured interim gold by stopping Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.
Hokit then received the first opportunity against the new champion. His fast rise means UFC 334 will represent a significant jump in competition.
Hokit Continues to Target the Heavyweight Elite
Hokit has repeatedly made clear that winning the championship is only part of his plan. He has spoken about remaining active and facing the division’s biggest names.
That includes Jones if the former heavyweight champion returns to competition. Hokit has also traded comments with Alexander Volkov and previously targeted Pereira.
His immediate challenge remains Gane. A championship victory at UFC 334 would turn those potential matchups into much bigger conversations.
Final Thoughts
The Josh Hokit Ciryl Gane matchup already has an obvious stylistic question. Can Hokit’s wrestling and pressure succeed against Gane’s movement and technical striking?
Hokit’s comparison with Jones shows how much confidence he carries into his first UFC title fight. However, proving those claims requires doing what only two men have officially done in MMA: defeat Gane. UFC 334 will provide that opportunity.
FAQs
What did Josh Hokit say before fighting Ciryl Gane?
Hokit expressed confidence in his wrestling and athletic ability while discussing how his skills compare with previous Gane opponents.
When is Josh Hokit vs Ciryl Gane?
The heavyweight championship fight takes place on November 14, 2026, at UFC 334.
Where will UFC 334 take place?
UFC 334 will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Has Ciryl Gane struggled against wrestlers?
Gane suffered championship losses where grappling played a major role against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones.
Is Josh Hokit undefeated?
Yes. Hokit enters his first UFC heavyweight title opportunity with a perfect professional record.
