Ciryl Gane retained the heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Josh Hokit in a Fight of the Night main event at UFC 334. Hokit took his first pro loss, but his relentless pace and performance changed Dana White’s view of the outspoken contender: White now says Hokit is “the real deal.”

By the Numbers
  • Gane won by unanimous decision after five rounds.
  • Both fighters received $100,000 Fight of the Night bonuses.
  • Hokit’s first defeat came after 11 professional fights.
  • White scored the bout 4-1 for Gane.
Yes, But

Hokit’s stock rose despite the loss, but Gane looked strongest in the final two rounds. White also said the judges’ scorecards didn’t capture the fight’s intensity.

State of Play
  • White is interested in matching Hokit with Alex Pereira, who first must face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335.
  • Tom Aspinall remains next in line for a title shot when he is ready to return from eye injuries.
What’s Next

Hokit-Pereira is a potential matchup, contingent on Pereira’s result against Pavlovich. Aspinall’s title path depends on when he can resume fighting.

Bottom Line

Hokit didn’t win the title, but he won over the UFC’s CEO—and may have secured an even bigger opportunity next.