UFC 334 Gane Beats Hokit in Record Strike Bout

Ciryl Gane retained his UFC heavyweight championship on Saturday night, securing a unanimous decision victory over Josh Hokit at Madison Square Garden in New York.

All three judges scored the UFC 334 main event 48-47 in favor of Gane, ending a frenetic five-round contest that saw both fighters break the record for total strikes in a heavyweight bout.

Gane was making his first heavyweight title defense. His path to this undisputed reign included past challenges against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, fights that left clear holes in his game that he worked to address in training camp. When facing Hokit, Gane was tasked with managing a challenger who had gained momentum by demolishing Derrick Lewis and surviving a brawl against Curtis Blaydes.

Was there ever a doubt 😤 @Ciryl_Gane & @Josh_HokitUFC left it all in the Octagon to earn FOTN honors! [ #Polymarket #UFC334 | B2YB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/WIIuOuqaJX

— Post by @ufc on X

The two competitors combined to land 541 total strikes, setting a new UFC record for a heavyweight bout. According to official statistics, Gane outlanded Hokit 298-243 in total strikes. While the pro-Hokit crowd in New York displayed their disapproval of the decision, Gane’s counterattacks and experience proved decisive over the five-round duration.

Although Hokit pressed the champion against the cage throughout the contest, Gane found his rhythm in the fourth and fifth rounds, eventually surpassing the significant strikes record previously held by Daniel Cormier.

“When I keep going, I keep going,” Ciryl Gane said of his late surge to counter Hokit's frantic push.

Following the bout, Gane acknowledged the intensity of the challenger. “This guy is a motherf—er. He did very well,” Gane said. He said that while oddsmakers and fans may have taken Hokit lightly, he remained focused on the challenge at hand.

Leading up to the event, the build-up was marked by the polarizing behavior of Hokit, who engaged in crude trash talk, including mocking Gane’s mother during press events. UFC CEO Dana White commented on Hokit’s antics.

While White admitted he dislikes certain shticks, he said that Hokit’s character is unique for the business and that he is comfortable with the fighter’s approach, even if the crowd’s reactions at the Garden were boisterous.

Photo: ESPN

Hokit, who briefly dropped his persona to shake hands with Gane and admit the champion was tougher than expected, maintained his intensity afterward. “I will rejoice in my suffering. Suffering builds endurance. Endurance builds character and character builds hope. I will never lose hope. I will be champion one day and you guys can kick me when I’m down, I’ll still break your f—ing leg,” Hokit said.

Harrison secured the win in a fight that saw the champion trap the Brazilian with a scarf hold before landing heavy punches. The card also featured a retirement performance from Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, who ended his career with a spinning wheel kick knockout of Charles Radtke in the second round, leaving his gloves on the mat in a symbolic farewell.

UFC 334 marked the 10th time the promotion has held an event at Madison Square Garden. Following the night’s action, it was reported that both Gane and Hokit were transported to a hospital and would not be available for further media comment.

Looking ahead, the heavyweight division remains active, with potential future matchups for Gane including rematches against Alex Pereira, Tom Aspinall, or Alexander Volkov, as well as a potential bout against Sergei Pavlovich.

Earlier coverage: Josh Hokit Challenges Ciryl Gane for Heavyweight Title at UFC 334