GanevsHokit (Ciryl Gane vs Josh Hokit)

Context

Ciryl Gane (14-2) makes the first defense of the undisputed heavyweight title. The 36-year-old Frenchman won the interim belt in June 2026 by stopping Alex Pereira in the second round and was promoted to champion when Tom Aspinall vacated the title due to eye injuries.

Across from him is Josh Hokit (10-0), 28, ranked No. 4 and undefeated: 4-0 in the UFC in just over a year. It is one of the fastest rises in the division.

Technical keys

• Distance: Gane, a Muay Thai stylist, is taller (76 vs 73 inches) and has 7.5 more inches of reach (81 vs 73.5). If the fight stays at range, the champion has the edge.
• Wrestling: Hokit comes from wrestling and his plan is to close distance, push Gane to the fence and take him down. Gane struggled against Francis Ngannou's wrestling in 2022, the big precedent against him.
• Power: Hokit has 6 KO wins and lands 65% of his significant strikes, albeit on a short UFC sample. Gane lands 62% on much higher volume.
• Five rounds: it's Hokit's first title fight. The champion's pace and experience in long fights could matter from round three on.

How each can win

Gane: keep moving, punish with kicks and straight shots from range, and avoid standing still on the fence. The longer the fight stays at distance, the more it tilts his way.

Hokit: constant pressure, chaining takedown entries with strikes and forcing Gane into close range, where his strength and wrestling make the difference.

What the experts say

Gane is the favorite in most predictions. Alex Pereira, his last opponent, believes the champion's experience will decide a five-round fight; Jon Jones, on the other hand, has said Hokit can win. Even Gane's coach, Fernand Lopez, has publicly praised the challenger.