Stipe Miocic has backed Ciryl Gane to keep the UFC heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334, set for 14 November at Madison Square Garden. The former two-time heavyweight champion, who retired after losing to Jon Jones in 2024, said Gane’s experience and tactical approach would give him the edge over the rising American contender.
Miocic held the heavyweight belt twice, first from 2016 to 2018 with three successful defences, then again from 2019 until 2021 before losing to Francis Ngannou. After his second reign ended, Miocic fought only once more, suffering a TKO defeat to Jon Jones last year and retiring inside the cage at Madison Square Garden, the venue for the upcoming title fight.
The heavyweight division has undergone significant upheaval since then. Jones vacated the belt in summer 2025 after rejecting a $30 million offer to face interim champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall was promoted to undisputed champion, but his first defence against Gane ended in a first-round no-contest due to multiple eye pokes suffered by Aspinall.
In September 2026, Aspinall vacated the title because of ongoing complications from that eye injury. Gane, who had claimed the interim belt with a stoppage of Alex Pereira at the White House in June, was elevated to undisputed champion.
Speaking to The Independent via Casino.org, Miocic said, “It’s Gane [who will win]. He’s seasoned, he’s been there, and he’s very smart at what he does.” He warned that Hokit, who is known for his wrestling and heavy hands, could be dangerous if he closes distance and secures takedowns. But Miocic praised Gane’s wrestling defence, adding, “I’ll go with Gane, just because he’s more experienced and he’s fought some tough guys in the past.”
Despite acknowledging Hokit’s toughness and progress, Miocic noted the American is still relatively new compared to Gane. “He’s a wrestler, so he’s always got that in his back pocket if something goes bad, but he hits hard and he comes forward. He just needs to remember to keep his hands up and not get cracked, but I mean, that’s the heavyweight division,” Miocic said.
Hokit made headlines with a stoppage of Derrick Lewis at the White House, a fight watched by former President Donald Trump. Miocic also touched on Hokit’s controversial personality but did not elaborate in detail.
Miocic offered his thoughts on a possible rematch between Gane and Aspinall, describing it as a difficult fight to call. “In their last fight, I felt like Gane catered to Tom’s fighting style a little bit,” he said. “Tom is a fighter who has gameplans, so I think if they do fight again, I think he’ll have a totally different gameplan. Sometimes when you get punched in the face, you can lose that plan, and you just start going to town on your opponent.”
He suggested the outcome might hinge on pressure. “If Tom was to just constantly pressure him, I think that would be his best chance of winning, because I don’t think Gane likes to be pressured.” Miocic also said he believes Hokit is not yet at the level to beat Aspinall but could challenge him in the future.
The heavyweight title fight between Gane and Hokit will headline UFC 334 on 14 November at Madison Square Garden, the same venue where Miocic ended his storied career.
According to Yahoo Sports.
