UFC returns to Madison Square Garden on Saturday with a heavyweight title fight that pits Ciryl Gane against Josh Hokit. Gane defends the belt he claimed after a series of attempts against top contenders like Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones, and Tom Aspinall. Hokit, whose rise has drawn comparisons to former champion Alex Pereira, faces Gane in a matchup that has narrowed betting odds and sparked debate among analysts.
Gane’s path to the undisputed heavyweight title was marked by setbacks. He lost title shots to Ngannou, Jones, and Aspinall before finally securing the interim belt against Pereira and being promoted to undisputed champion. Hokit, meanwhile, boasts a collegiate wrestling background and has made a rapid ascent in the UFC, with exactly 371 days elapsed between his debut and his first title shot, the same span Pereira experienced. Both of their title fights are set at Madison Square Garden, a venue that has hosted UFC events regularly for the past decade.
Oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook show a close contest, but experts from CBS Sports offer differing views on who will prevail. Brian Campbell points to Gane’s improved takedown defense as a critical factor. “His level of success will likely be dictated by his ability to keep his back off of the canvas,” Campbell said, stressing Gane’s experience and athleticism as advantages against Hokit’s speed and aggression. Gane’s training base in Dubai has contributed to his growth, allowing him to maintain a kickboxing style that can neutralize Hokit’s wrestling.
Brent Brookhouse agrees that Gane’s striking and size give him an edge. He noted Hokit’s grit in a fight against Curtis Blaydes but questioned Hokit’s ability to consistently take Gane down. “If he can’t get Gane to the ground consistently and hold him there, I have trouble seeing a path to victory for him,” Brookhouse said. The technical striking of Gane, who combines power with precision, contrasts with Hokit’s aggressive but less polished approach.
Shakiel Mahjouri expressed a more decisive opinion, suggesting the betting odds might underestimate Gane’s chances. He acknowledged Hokit’s wrestling credentials but highlighted that Gane’s speed and footwork, attributes shared with Pereira, make him a difficult matchup. “Hokit must contend with a bigger, stronger, more technical striker who is just as fast, if not faster, than him,” Mahjouri said. He also pointed out Gane’s history of errors but concluded that the champion has more tools to win.
The card also features a women’s bantamweight title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes. This bout is marked by uncertainties, including Harrison’s recent neck surgery and Nunes’ 41-month hiatus from competition. Campbell discussed the potential impact of Harrison’s weight cut to 135 pounds and her recent surgery, alongside Nunes’ striking power and ground skills. “Look for Nunes' power to be the difference in a competitive 25-minute scrap,” he said.
Brookhouse acknowledged the unpredictability of the Harrison-Nunes fight. Both fighters come in with significant challenges: Harrison’s physical recovery and tough weight cut, and Nunes’ long absence from the Octagon. “If anyone promises you that they know what is going to happen here or how either woman will look, they are lying to you,” he said. Brookhouse leaned toward Harrison’s wrestling and grappling possibly edging out a narrow decision in a fight that could grow sloppy over time.
The UFC 334 event will be available to stream on Paramount+ at no extra cost, with subscription plans beginning at $8.99 per month. The fight card promises a busy night at Madison Square Garden, with the heavyweight and bantamweight title bouts serving as the main attractions. For now, the experts’ views offer a range of scenarios as fans prepare for a high-stakes evening of mixed martial arts.
According to CBS.
