UFC 334's main event will see champion Ciryl Gane face Josh Hokit, a versatile fighter compared to Cain Velasquez, at Madison Square Garden on November 14.
UFC 334 main event set
Heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane will defend his title against Josh Hokit on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The fight is the main event of UFC 334, a major mixed martial arts event.Gane’s trainer compares Hokit to Velasquez
Gane’s trainer, Fernand Lopez, compared Hokit’s fighting style to that of former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. Lopez described Hokit as a unique challenge for Gane, emphasizing that he is not an ordinary fighter.Hokit’s versatile fighting style
Lopez noted that Hokit is not just a heavyweight who charges in to throw punches. He is a wrestler capable of striking, keeping opponents in doubt, attempting takedowns, and if that fails, coming back to immobilize them. Hokit does not rely solely on wrestling; he can knock out opponents standing, submit them, or dominate them in ground-and-pound exchanges.Hokit’s strategy and pressure tactics
Lopez expects Hokit to try to take the fight to the ground but anticipates numerous stand-up exchanges. He explained that Hokit will likely make opponents believe he prioritizes striking before attempting to wrestle. Lopez noted that Hokit reduces the space between himself and his opponent, imposing the fight with intensity and constant pressure, chaining punches and varying levels.Hokit’s record and performance
Hokit has set a record for significant strikes among heavyweights, with about 177 during his fight against Curtis Blaydes. Lopez mentioned that Hokit has dominated a very complete fighter like Blaydes and finished an equally dangerous opponent like Derrick Lewis in the second round. He emphasized that Hokit is at the level and that the new generation of fighters is needed to bring a fresh breath to the division.
