Ciryl Gane Retains Heavyweight Title With Decision Win Over Josh Hokit

Ciryl Gane defended his UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 334, earning 48-47 scores from all three judges in a five-round battle against Josh Hokit.

Ciryl Gane retained his UFC heavyweight championship on Saturday night, defeating Josh Hokit by unanimous decision at UFC 334. All three judges at Madison Square Garden scored the five-round contest 48-47 in favor of the defending champion. The victory marked Gane's second successful title defense, following a stoppage win against Alex Pereira in June.

Josh Hokit, who entered the bout with a 10-0 record, pushed the champion to the final frame in a back-and-forth slugfest. An exhausted Gane secured the victory by winning the fifth round on the judges' cards. Despite the loss, UFC CEO Dana White noted that Hokit’s performance increased his standing within the promotion, describing the 29-year-old challenger as "the real deal."

Hokit had built his reputation through trash talk over the past year before challenging for the undisputed belt. Following the decision, Hokit stated in the Octagon that he intends to become a champion in the future. The event took place in New York, serving as the primary headliner for the UFC 334 card.