Stipe Miocic backs Ciryl Gane to beat Josh Hokit at UFC 334

The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion also rates a potential rematch between Gane and Britain's Tom Aspinall as about even, saying constant pressure would be Aspinall's best chance of winning.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 29 Oct, 15:09 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Stipe Miocic has picked Ciryl Gane to keep the UFC heavyweight title against Josh Hokit, pointing to the Frenchman's experience and his habit of fighting at distance.

Gane makes his first defence of the undisputed belt against the controversial American in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on 14 November. He holds the title because Britain's Tom Aspinall vacated it in September, citing ongoing complications from the eye injury he suffered against Gane 11 months earlier. That bout, Aspinall's first defence of the undisputed title, ended as a first-round no-contest after Gane poked him in the eyes numerous times. Gane had already won the interim belt by stopping Alex Pereira at the White House in June.

Miocic said Hokit is a great wrestler who hits hard and could be dangerous if he gets in close and lands a takedown. He backed Gane's takedown defence, however, and said the champion rarely makes mistakes and should have a good night if he keeps his distance. The 44-year-old described Hokit as tough and improving with every fight, but still relatively inexperienced, and said he needs to remember to keep his hands up. Miocic added: “But he’s getting it. We’ve all been there, we all start somewhere. We’re not always great when we first get started, but I know he’ll progress and get better.” He also gave his view on a second fight between Aspinall and Gane. Miocic said Gane had catered to Aspinall's style in their first meeting, and expected the Briton to bring a completely different gameplan to a rematch, while warning that fighters can abandon their plans once they are hit. He said: “So, I think between those two, that’s a tough fight to call; I think they’re about even.” He went on: “However, if Tom was to just constantly pressure him, I think that would be his best chance of winning, because I don’t think Gane likes to be pressured.” Miocic said Hokit is not yet ready to beat Aspinall, but could challenge him in the future.

Miocic held the heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018, making a record three defences, and reigned again from 2019 until Francis Ngannou beat him in 2021. He fought once more, losing to then-champion Jon Jones by TKO at Madison Square Garden in 2024, and retired in the cage afterwards. Jones vacated the title in summer 2025 after turning down $30m to face Aspinall, then the interim champion, who was elevated to undisputed champion.

In this story

Ciryl Gane Josh Hokit Tom Aspinall Alex Pereira