Gane vs Hokit Prediction: Can the Undefeated Hokit Shock MSG?
Ciryl Gane vs Josh Hokit headlines UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on November 14. It is a Gane vs Hokit fight for the heavyweight crown, and it is one of the most polarizing title fights of the year.
How we got here
Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight belt on September 14 after ongoing complications from the eye injury he suffered against Gane last October. Gane had already won the interim title by stopping Alex Pereira in round two at UFC Freedom 250. Hokit earned his shot by going 10-0 and finishing Derrick Lewis in round two on the same White House card.
The matchup
Gane (14-2, 1 NC) is the technician. His movement, kicks and range control are the best in the division. His weakness has been wrestling pressure and fights that turn into scrambles.
Hokit (10-0) is an unbeaten former football player with a 4-0 UFC record since entering through Dana White’s Contender Series. He is a pressure fighter who has been landing a lot of volume. His team at Jackson Wink, including Jon Jones, has been vocal in backing him.
Odds
Opening lines made Gane roughly a -230 favorite, with Hokit around +193. Lines move, so check current prices before the fight. Our betting partner covers this in UFC betting predictions for UFC 334, 335 and 336. New to odds? Start with How to Bet on UFC.
Keys to victory
- Gane: keep the range, kick the lead leg and body, and avoid long exchanges against the fence.
- Hokit: close distance early, make it ugly and make Gane work in the clinch.
Prediction
Gane’s skill advantage should show over five rounds. Hokit’s momentum is real, but he has never faced a technical striker at this level. Gane by TKO or decision, with an upset always possible at heavyweight.
For the wider picture, read our UFC 335 fight card and UFC 334 preview and follow BJPenn for daily heavyweight news.