Ultimate Fighting Championship The heavyweight title shot was more difficult as he didn’t like some of the comments made by the undefeated contender.
Hockey (10-0) is now the challenge Cyril Gane
(14-2) to the heavyweight championship in the main event
UFC 334 November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Dana White says Josh Hokit’s comments may have affected his matchup ahead of Cyril Gane’s title fight at UFC 334
Speaking on “The Jim Rome Show,” the UFC CEO admitted he overlooked Hokit, who earned his title shot by knocking out every opponent he put in front of him.
“Hockey (vs. Gane) was a battle,” White said. “Hockey has been overlooked all the time, not only by the fans and the media, but by me. I didn’t like some of the things he said, so I might have thrown some tough guys at him and he passed all the tests and here he is.”
“The Incredible Hok” has won three fights in 2026. He defeated
Denzel Freeman before reaching a unanimous decision Curtis Blaydes at
UFC 327 in April. He then stopped the former title challenger
Derrick Lewis by technical knockout of the second round at
UFC Freedom 250 in June.
White said Hokit’s performances left no doubt he deserved the opportunity.
“Like him or hate him, he fought his way to the top and there’s no denying that this guy deserves and belongs in this title race,” White added.
“If you don’t like what Josh Hokiti said that night on the White House lawn, guess what? You’ll see him get punched in the face at Madison Square Garden in two weeks, LIVE AND FREE on Paramount+.” @DanaWhite presents the #UFC334 main event between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit. https://t.co/Un5pfoHpZr
– Jim Rome (@jimrome)
November 4, 2026