UFC veteran compares controversial fighter to Conor McGregor
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Cain Velasquez is often regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history. However, since Velasquez’s retirement, several other heavyweights have emerged, including the controversial Josh Hokit and Ciryl Gane.
Hokit is currently scheduled to challenge Gane at UFC 334 for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York City. However, before the much-awaited fight, Velasquez opened up about his thoughts on Hokit and compared him to McGregor.
Infamous for his controversial comments, Hokit recently made waves with some of his comments about his opponents, their family members, and even Michelle Obama. However, despite these, Velasquez believes Hokit has proved himself so far.
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“So Hokit, as far as his fighting ability, he’s definitely proven himself, that he’s well-renowned mixed martial artist. He deserves what he’s getting as far as a title shot, you know? He’s fought those guys to get there. And he’s also taking the route, somewhat of a Conor McGregor, to speak in a way that creates tension,”Velasquez told MMA Fighting.
Hokit has competed four times in the UFC, which includes a 3-0 run in 2026 featuring a Fight of the Year contender against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Apr. 2026, along with a UFC White House fight against Derrick Lewis.
On the other hand, Gane will enter the title bout with two controversial recent fights. Last year, in Oct. 2025 at UFC 321, Gane vs. Tom Aspinall was declared a no-contest after the former delivered an eye poke. The eye poke turned out to be serious, and Aspinall has been out of action since. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is currently recovering from his recent ACL surgery after his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
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