Ciryl Gane defeated Josh Hokit by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
Heavyweight Clash at Madison Square Garden
The main event of UFC 334 in New York City went the full 25 minutes as Gane and Hokit exchanged strikes in a grueling battle. Judges scored the bout 48-47 across all three cards in favor of the French champion.
Hokit pushed a frantic pace from the opening bell, shooting for takedowns and pressing the action. Gane managed to stuff 27 takedowns, relying on footwork and a heavy volume of straight punches to control the distance.
“When I keep going, I keep going,” said Ciryl Gane, describing his late surge in the championship rounds.
The bout set a new divisional benchmark for output, with both heavyweights combining to land 589 total strikes, according to The Sporting Tribune. Gane landed 237 significant strikes, breaking a previous record set by Daniel Cormier, as reported by theScore.
During the opening round, an incident occurred when Gane poked the 29-year-old challenger in the eye. Referee Marc Goddard dismissed Hokit’s initial complaints, although video review confirmed the contact before the fighter continued onward.
Fairytale finishes 🤩 @KaylaH & @WonderboyMMA showed out to earn POTN bonuses at #Polymarket #UFC334! [ B2YB @STC_Canada ] pic.twitter.com/UA5eLDU0oo
Both competitors emerged bloodied from the 25-minute slugfest, with Hokit marked above the left eye and Gane around the mouth. Following the conclusion of the event, both fighters were transported to a hospital and did not speak with the media.
Hokit Suffers First Professional Defeat After Challenger Addresses Crowd
The defeat marked the first loss of Hokit’s professional career, dropping his record to 10-1. Despite falling short on the scorecards, the challenger addressed the crowd after the decision was announced, wearing an American flag bandana and sunglasses.
Earlier on his path to the championship opportunity, Hokit defeated Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision in April and subsequently stopped Derrick Lewis via TKO at the White House two months prior. The challenger also drew public notice for controversial remarks outside the cage, including labeling former first lady Michelle Obama a man following his victory over Lewis.
“You’re tougher than I thought,” Hokit told Gane in the center of the Octagon while temporarily dropping his online persona.
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
Saturday’s event marked Gane’s first successful defense of the undisputed championship, following a previous 2025 no-contest against Aspinall that was rendered after Gane committed eyepokes.
Harrison Submits Nunes in Co-Main Event
In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison retained her women’s bantamweight title by submitting Amanda Nunes in the fourth round. Nunes, a two-division UFC champion who held championships in two weight classes and previously defeated Ronda Rousey, returned from a three-year retirement for the title fight.
Caio Borralho Wins Decision While Holland and Medic Draw
In other main card action, Caio Borralho defeated Yousri Belgaroui by unanimous decision with three 30-27 scorecards. Meanwhile, Kevin Holland and Uros Medic fought to a bizarre majority draw, with judges scoring the welterweight bout 29-27, 28-28, and 28-28.
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