The UFC heavyweight division has been crowned champion contender, with Cyril Gane inheriting the throne after Tom Aspinall recently dropped the title. The Frenchman, who previously held the interim belt, is now lining up his first championship defense against Josh Hokit at UFC 334.
As reported by Ariel Helwani, Gane was initially expected to face Aspinall at Madison Square Garden before the Englishman’s withdrawal forced the UFC to find a replacement. Hokit finally got the call, earning the biggest opportunity of his career with an unblemished 10-0 professional record.
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After earning a contract with the Dana White Contender Series in 2025, Hokit made a name for himself in a short period of time. He has won three of his four Octagon appearances in six months. His recent streak includes a knockout of Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 and a dark, Fight of the Year bout with Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327.
Despite his tentative start, Hokit made a significant step up in the competition against the more experienced Gane. Questions remain as to whether the undefeated heavyweight can topple the Frenchman, but former UFC contender Jon Jones sees the newcomer pulling off an upset.
Jon Jones Credits Josh Hokit with Real Chance of Beating Cyril Gane at UFC 334
In a recent interview with The Schmo, Jones suggested that Gane could have his hands full against Hokit, who, like the former UFC champion, is the work of Jackson Wink MMA. Jones’ undefeated progress at heavyweight and after his recent coaching success have been praised.
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He said, “Jose looks great right now. He’s doing a great job; he’s been coached by some of the best in the world. I’ve always supported wrestlers and supported wrestlers.”
Jones also expressed his support for both fighters but acknowledged that Gane’s success will reflect well on the common gym. He added, “I want to see everyone live healthy habits and do great things in business and family, so I’m really rooting for everyone. I’d be lying if I didn’t say more people beat Cyril Gane, it really just shows the property of our family and team.”
Also read: 5 of the UFC’s 11 Current Gold Champions Won Without Dethroning the Previous Titleholder
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When asked about his UFC 334 prediction, Jones called Hokit a potential winner while acknowledging that a victory over Gane would also benefit his team’s reputation.
“So my prediction is that I believe Hokit can win the best, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that our brand doesn’t do well when Cyril Gane beats people. So let the best man win.”
Jones knows first hand how dangerous Gane can be. The two met at UFC 285 in 2023, when Jones made his heavyweight debut and submitted the Frenchman with a guillotine choke in under three minutes to make the two division champions.
Jones also shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335. Pereira felt hesitant during the June 14 event, and expected the Brazilian to give Gane more problems. As for the Pereira-Pavlovich matchup, Jones kept his prediction simple, hoping for a familiar response that the best man should win.