Ciryl Gane had to dig deep against an aggressive Josh Hokit, surviving five demanding rounds before securing a unanimous decision victory to defend his UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 334.
The UFC heads to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, November 14, 2026, for UFC 334, with two championship fights topping a stacked card. Leading the event is a heavyweight title showdown between reigning champion Ciryl Gane and undefeated American contender Josh Hokit.
Gane enters the contest with a professional record of 14-2, with one no-contest. He secured his place at the top of the division after stopping former middleweight champion Alex Pereira by second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June. He was subsequently elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the title while recovering from complications related to an eye injury.
For Hokit, the opportunity represents a remarkable rise through the UFC heavyweight division.
He enters the fight with a perfect 10-0 professional record and has quickly moved from newcomer to title challenger since making his UFC debut in November 2025. His recent run has included a victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 and a knockout win against Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250. Those performances helped push him into the heavyweight title picture and earned him the opportunity to challenge Gane.
Hokit wastes no time getting after the champion, immediately attempting a single-leg takedown and driving Gane towards the fence. He initially gets the takedown, but Gane manages to return to his feet and create separation. Gane begins finding his range with his jab, while Hokit continues advancing and throwing heavy punches.Gane connects with an uppercut and a straight right, but Hokit absorbs the shots and keeps coming forward.
Gane adds another uppercut and works the body, attempting to slow the Hokit’s aggressive approach. Hokit responds with right hands of his own and continues to make the fight uncomfortable for the Gane
Gane defends another takedown attempt before landing a knee to the body and a jab. However, Hokit remains persistent, eventually securing another single leg and lifting Gane before slamming him to the canvas just before the round ends.
The second round begins with Hokit again looking for a takedown, but Gane successfully defends the attempt. Gane responds with left and right hands before landing an uppercut that briefly pushes Hokit backwards. Hokit continues pressing forward, attempting to tie Gane up and work for control. Gane manages to escape the wrestling exchanges and answers with an elbow, a jab and combinations.
Gane then begins to land punches from different angles, showing his technical advantage on the feet. However, the fight’s pressure starts taking its toll, with Gane visibly slowing as the round progresses.
Hokit also shows signs of fatigue, but his willingness to keep exchanging remains unchanged. He connects with a strong right hand and continues pushing Gane into close-range exchanges. Gane finishes the round with a short elbow and an uppercut, adding to his work before the bell.
Hokit begins the third round with takedown feints, keeping Gane alert to the possibility of another wrestling attack. Gane responds with jabs and elbows, but the pace of the contest has slowed considerably as both fighters begin feeling the effects of the opening rounds. Hokit eventually changes levels and completes another takedown. However, Gane refuses to remain on the canvas and quickly works his way back to his feet.
The two heavyweights continue exchanging short punches at close range, with neither man creating much distance. Hokit finds success with an elbow before continuing to pressure Gane against the fence.
Hokit also introduces foot stomps during the clinch, making the exchanges increasingly uncomfortable for the Gane. Gane attempts to create openings with his jab and lands a head kick, but Hokit answers with a couple of elbows. Another elbow from Hokit lands in close range before the round comes to an end.
Gane opens the fourth round with a body kick, but Hokit immediately closes the distance and forces another clinch exchange. Gane pushes him away and follows up with a leg kick before Hokit resumes his forward pressure. Gane begins finding opportunities to attack the body with hard knees, while also mixing in uppercuts during their close-range exchanges. Hokit continues throwing punches, but his shots appear to carry less force than they did earlier in the fight.
Gane takes advantage by landing knees to the body and finding openings with short punches. Much of the round takes place in close quarters, with both fighters leaning on each other and attempting to land whatever strikes they can manage. As the round progresses, Gane begins producing more effective offensive moments, particularly with his body attacks and uppercuts.
Hokit immediately looks for another takedown as the final round begins, but Gane quickly gets back to his feet. Hokit continues attempting to close the distance, while Gane starts finding more success with his boxing. Gane then lands a right hand that snaps Hokit’s head backwards and continues using his jab to score while making the Hokit miss. Hokit attempts another level change, but Gane pushes him towards the fence and prevents him from establishing control.
Gane begins investing more punches into the body, repeatedly catching Hokit as he moves forward. Hokit still manages to land a right hand and responds with combinations, refusing to give up despite the demanding pace. However, Gane’s technical striking becomes increasingly effective in the closing exchanges. He continues slipping punches, landing counters and defending Hokit’s remaining takedown attempts. Both heavyweights continue fighting until the final bell, but Gane’s stronger closing performance puts him in a favourable position with the judges.
After five rounds of action, Ciryl Gane gets his hand raised by unanimous decision, with all three official judges scoring the contest 48–47.
“He didn’t surprise me,” Gane said about the win. “All the people around the world underestimate him, not me. That was a tough fight. I kept going because I’m strong. I stayed focused. I go ahead, I go forward. This guy is a mother*cker, he did well.” For his part, Hokit was still defiant in defeat, although he did shake Gane’s hand after the fight was over. “I will rejoice in my suffering,” Hokit said. “Suffering build endurance. Endurance builds character and character builds hope. You can kick me while I’m down but I’ll break your f*cking leg.”
