Gane taken to brink by game Hokit, edges out decision in UFC title slugfest

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  Brett OkamotoNov 15, 2026, 01:06 AM ET

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  Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.

NEW YORK -- In the end, Josh Hokit proved to be more than just a shtick.

The UFC heavyweight championship remained with defending champion Ciryl Gane on Saturday night, as he defeated Hokit by unanimous decision at UFC 334 inside Madison Square Garden. All three judges scored the heavyweight bout 48-47 in favor of Gane after a riveting, back-and-forth affair.

It marked the second defense of Gane's belt, including a stoppage over Alex Pereira in June at the White House.

But while Gane maintained the belt, the night might have truly gone to Hokit (10-1). The 29-year-old was a relative unknown in the fight game just one year ago and has built his reputation with controversial -- at times, ugly -- trash talk.

On Saturday, however, he pushed the undisputed best fighter of his division to the brink of defeat. An exhausted Gane had to win the fifth and final round to retain his belt and managed to barely do so.

"I will rejoice in my suffering," Hokit said. "Suffering builds endurance. Endurance builds character. Character builds hope. I will never lose hope. I will be champion one day. You guys can kick me when I'm down, I'll still break your f---ing leg."