Josh Hokit Fires Back at Dana White Over UFC 334 Title Doubts

Josh Hokit says Dana White's public unease about him becoming UFC heavyweight champion is an act, not a real concern.

The undefeated heavyweight is set to challenge Ciryl Gane for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title at UFC 334, a fight that materialized after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt earlier this month. Hokit punched his ticket to the title shot with finishes over Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis in 2026, a run that has made him one of the most talked about, and most divisive, names in the heavyweight division.

That divide extends to the top of the UFC. White recently said he does not like anything Hokit says and admitted he would have to deal with Hokit's antics if he wins the belt. The comment followed Hokit's controversial remarks about former First Lady Michelle Obama during his post fight interview at UFC Freedom 250.

What Did Josh Hokit Say About Dana White?

Hokit does not think White's discomfort is genuine. Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hokit pushed back directly on the UFC CEO's comments. "Dana has to say that. Deep down, I'm Dana's favorite fighter; he can't wait for my fights," Hokit said of White.

Hokit made clear he has no interest in softening his image to win over the promotion or the fanbase. "At the end of the day, I didn't join this sport to be liked by anybody. The whole world could be against me. Whether you like me or not, it is what it is...I'm not in this to be accepted and stuff; I'm just here to put on good fights. So if you call my name and have me sign the contract, I'll give you good fights. That's the most important thing," he said. He added, "It's human nature to want to be liked and have fans, but I'm not going to put on a fake smile and s, for it."

Betting Angle

Gane opened as a solid favorite for the November 14 title fight at Madison Square Garden, and the market has only leaned further his way since. Sportsbooks have Gane sitting in the -225 to -295 range depending on the book, with Hokit drawing backers in the +185 to +243 range as the live underdog. That's a notable widening from the opening numbers, suggesting bettors and books alike see Gane's craft and championship experience as a real problem for an unbeaten but still largely unproven heavyweight. For a fighter this polarizing, expect the number to keep moving as fight week noise, including the White friction, pulls in more casual money on both sides.

Whatever happens with the line, Hokit has made clear he is not fighting for public approval. If he beats Gane, the UFC will have a heavyweight champion it did not exactly ask for, and by his own account, he is fine with that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Josh Hokit fighting at UFC 334?

Josh Hokit is challenging Ciryl Gane for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title at UFC 334, set for November 14, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

What did Dana White say about Josh Hokit?

UFC CEO Dana White said he does not like anything Josh Hokit says and admitted he would have to deal with Hokit's antics if Hokit wins the heavyweight title at UFC 334.

Who is favored in Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit?

Ciryl Gane has opened as the betting favorite over Josh Hokit for their UFC 334 heavyweight title fight, with sportsbooks listing Gane in the -225 to -295 range as of now.