Josh Hokit is officially next in line for UFC gold, and while Dana White may not be a fan of everything he says, the UFC CEO isn’t standing in the way of the heavyweight contender’s title shot.
Following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the heavyweight title due to ongoing eye issues, Ciryl Gane has now been elevated from interim champion to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Gane is set to defend the belt against Hokit in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14.
The announcement came after some confusion surrounding the championship picture. White had initially suggested that the UFC would crown a new champion in November, but later admitted he misspoke.
“True, Ciryl Gane is the undisputed champion,” White said during the UFC 331 post-fight press conference.
“Nothing changed. I f***ed up.”
With the title situation clarified, attention quickly shifted to the challenger, and Dana White reacts to Hokit title shot by making it clear that his personal opinions will not affect the heavyweight contender’s opportunity.
Hokit has become one of the UFC’s most polarizing figures in recent months due to his outspoken comments and controversial social media posts. White has publicly criticized some of those remarks in the past, including comments Hokit made following his win over Derrick Lewis at UFC White House.
When asked about Hokit earning a shot at the heavyweight title, White did not hide his feelings.
“I got a lot of thoughts on Josh Hokit,” White said.”Lots and lots. I’m sure they’re the same thoughts that you’re all having.”
Despite his criticism, White emphasized that he has never based opportunities on whether he personally likes a fighter.
“I don’t police what people say,” White said.”I say it all the time—I don’t have to like you for you to thrive here and you to do well and be successful. Many people that I do not like have done very well here. I’m not saying that I don’t like Josh Hokit.
“I literally don’t f***ing like anything that Josh Hokit says. That’s not going to change unless he changes, which I don’t see happening. I’m going to have to deal with that. That’s a ‘me’ issue and I’m sure a ‘you’ issue.”
While White may disagree with Hokit’s public comments, he cannot ignore the heavyweight’s performances inside the Octagon.
Hokit remains undefeated and has steadily climbed the rankings with impressive victories. He earned a hard-fought decision win over Curtis Blaydes earlier this year before scoring a statement victory against Derrick Lewis, solidifying his position as a legitimate title contender.
