Josh Hokit Sends Blunt Warning to Ciryl Gane Over Fouls Ahead of UFC 334
In less than a week, Josh Hokit will get the opportunity to complete his remarkable rise through the heavyweight division when he faces Ciryl Gane for the undisputed title at UFC 334. However, his title shot has attracted plenty of criticism, with many questioning his credentials and arguing that Alexander Volkov deserved the opportunity after winning seven of his last eight fights.
But Hokit isn’t the only talking point heading into the showdown. Gane’s controversial fighting style has also become a major subject of discussion, particularly after his clash with Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 left the Brit with a serious eye injury owing to a double poke.
Gane was subsequently promoted to undisputed champion following Aspinall’s decision to vacate the title. Controversies involving fouls have followed Gane throughout his career, with eye pokes and illegal strikes increasingly becoming part of the conversation surrounding his fights.
From rabbit punches against Junior dos Santos and Tai Tuivasa to the controversy involving Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250, the Frenchman has repeatedly found himself under scrutiny. Hokit, however, isn’t planning to simply put up with any questionable tactics.
Josh Hokit Threatens to Fight Dirty Against Ciryl Gane if Fouled at UFC 334
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the American made it clear that he would have no problem returning the favor if Gane resorts to illegal strikes.
He said, “I’ve been saying this. If he pokes my eye, I’m going to hit him in the back of the head. He hits me in the back of the head, I’m hitting him low. He hits me low, I’m stabbing him now. He stabs me? I’m shooting him.”
Staying true to his over-the-top personality, Hokit took the threats even further, adding, “He shoots me? I’m finding his family, killing them. He finds my family kills them? I’m going to France, conquering them. Whether that actually happens or not? That obviously won’t happen but I’m not worried about it.”
The heavyweight contender repeated the same sentiment during an appearance on Full Send MMA. His approach is essentially a tit-for-tat response: Hokit doesn’t intend to initiate any illegal exchanges, but he isn’t willing to absorb them without retaliating if Gane crosses the line first.
Gane, meanwhile, has recently pushed back against accusations of being a dirty fighter. Nevertheless, the history of controversial moments surrounding his fights has kept the discussion alive.
With both heavyweights now preparing for their November 14 showdown, it remains to be seen whether their rivalry will spill over into the Octagon.