Dana White Has A Blunt Response To Josh Hokit's Shock Rematch Demand After UFC 334 Heartbreak

Dana White has another big fight in mind for Josh Hokit.© NDTV Photo Library

Dana White has refused to rule out an immediate rematch between Josh Hokit and Ciryl Gane after their five-round UFC 334 main event. Hokit called for another shot at the heavyweight title on Instagram, tagging White, Hunter Campbell and matchmaker Mick Maynard. But White stopped short of committing to a second fight. Gane retained the undisputed heavyweight title with a unanimous decision, winning 48-47 on all three judges' scorecards. The bout was a back-and-forth war that set a new UFC heavyweight record for combined significant strikes

???? Dana White reacts to Josh Hokit asking for an immediate rematch on his IG: "Okay. Listen, I've had my issues with Hokit. But think about this. It's his first ever 5 round main event, and he went 5 hard rounds." ???? @Home_of_Fight / @JakeNoecker https://t.co/yr39p8K1CR

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 15, 2026

Josh Hokit wins Dana White's respect

Dana White admitted he has had issues with Josh Hokit in the past but praised the American's performance against Ciryl Gane. “It's his first ever five-round main event, and he went five hard, crazy rounds,” White said.

“The guy has got an unbelievable chin, unstoppable cardio, and I give him nothing but respect for the fight that he fought tonight. It was incredible,” White added. He also noted that the fight broke the significant strike record and total strike record at heavyweight.

White previously criticised Hokit's antics but said the challenger's willingness to back up his talk changed his view. “I thought this guy was a bigmouthed goofball, and I hated his shtick and the whole thing. I respect the s*** out of that guy. He is the real deal,” White said.

Gane survives Hokit's early onslaught to take control late

Josh Hokit started fast, building an early lead with relentless pressure and volume. Ciryl Gane, however, found a second wind in the championship rounds and took over late to secure the decision.

Gane outlanded Hokit 298-243 in total strikes, with 237 significant strikes, breaking the UFC heavyweight record previously held by Daniel Cormier. The combined 541 strikes also set a new record for a heavyweight bout.

Hokit's first professional loss dropped his record to 10-1. He had entered the bout undefeated and riding a four-fight UFC winning streak.

Hokit refuses to give up

White scored the fight 49-46 for Gane, suggesting he did not see it as close as the judges did. That makes an immediate rematch unlikely, though White did not completely shut the door on the possibility.

Other contenders are also waiting for a title shot, including Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich. A potential fight between Hokit and Alex Pereira has also been floated, with White previously saying it “makes sense” regardless of the outcome at UFC 334.

Hokit has vowed to return stronger. “I will never lose hope. I will be champion one day,” he said after the fight.