Velasquez Backs Josh Hokit to Upset Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 as 3-0 Run Fuels Title Bid
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Nov 12
Velasquez Backs Josh Hokit to Upset Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 as 3-0 Run Fuels Title Bid
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Nov 12
Summary
Saturday’s UFC 334 main event at Madison Square Garden has Cain Velasquez picking challenger Josh Hokit to beat heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane in Hokit’s first shot at UFC gold.
Velasquez said Hokit is "way more complete" than Gane, pointing to his wrestling, striking and ability to perform under pressure on a big stage.
Hokit enters on a 3-0 run in 2026, including a Fight of the Year contender against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 and a stoppage of Derrick Lewis at UFC White House.
Velasquez also compared Hokit’s trash talk to Conor McGregor’s tension-building style, a tactic that has drawn backlash from fans and UFC CEO Dana White.
Gane’s reign has been clouded by controversy after a 2025 no-contest against Tom Aspinall and a disputed finish of Alex Pereira before Aspinall later vacated the title.