Ciryl Gane defended his UFC heavyweight title against American newcomer Josh Hokit at Madison Square Garden in New York, winning a unanimous decision after a grueling five-round battle.
The 36-year-old French champion turned back the challenge of the division’s current enfant terrible, who entered the bout with an undefeated professional record.
Hokit has regularly turned UFC press conferences into comedic routines and hurled rhymes at opponents under the moniker “The Incredible Hok.” He even drew attention ahead of the fight by billing himself as the favorite fighter of U.S. President Donald Trump.
That theatrical persona continued inside the cage in New York, where Hokit flipped off both Gane and ring announcer Bruce Buffer before the opening bell.
Hokit attacked immediately with wrestling tactics, pushing forward for takedowns while absorbing a steady stream of jabs and hooks from the champion. Although Gane began showing fatigue in the second round, Hokit’s chin held firm against the incoming strikes as he continued his relentless forward march.
The bout deteriorated into a brutal war of attrition by the third and fourth rounds, with both heavyweights locking into prolonged clinches and trading short hooks and body blows. Gane relied on knees and elbow strikes inside the clinch to slow the relentless challenger.
In the final round, Gane demonstrated superior striking technique by stuffing all of Hokit’s remaining takedown attempts and landing sharp uppercuts. Hokit kept pushing forward despite absorbing twice as many clean punches as he delivered.
said Ciryl Gane, according to ntv.de, acknowledging his opponent’s relentless pace and toughness.
Hokit dropped his customary showmanship during his post-fight interview to offer a measured assessment of the defeat.
told Josh Hokit to ntv.de.
