Skip to content Josh Hokit has welcomed a clash against former champion Tom Aspinall if he wins his upcoming title fight. The undefeated contender enters the Octagon this weekend with momentum on his side. Meanwhile, fans are eager to see if he can claim gold at the highest level.
Josh Hokit Targets Heavyweight Title at UFC 334
Josh Hokit challenges Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 334. The opportunity arrived after a rapid rise through the division. In addition, the American previously earned a stoppage victory against Derrick Lewis at the White House.
Also read: Josh Hokit Defends Michelle Obama Remarks Before UFC 334
Ciryl Gane captured the belt after a turbulent sequence of events across the weight class. Therefore, the upcoming headline bout offers a definitive test for both competitors. Hokit firmly believes he is destined to take the crown.
Furthermore, Hokit stated that he will defend the title actively against all challengers. He explained that active champions remain vital for the sport. Consequently, he has welcomed a showdown with Tom Aspinall immediately after this weekend.
“When I’m champion, anybody can get a fight,” Hokit told reporters on Wednesday. In addition, he promised never to stall the division while holding the belt. He insisted that any deserving contender will get an opportunity.
Background of the Troubled Heavyweight Division
The heavyweight title picture has experienced prolonged instability over recent years. For instance, Francis Ngannou vacated the belt in early 2023 when he departed the promotion. After that, Jon Jones claimed the vacant strap by submitting Ciryl Gane.
However, Jones sustained an injury that kept him away from the cage until November 2024. Meanwhile, Aspinall captured the interim championship and defended it while waiting. Jones eventually defeated Stipe Miocic before retiring in summer 2025.
As a result, the UFC elevated Aspinall to undisputed champion. However, his first title defence against Gane ended in a disappointing first-round no-contest due to eye pokes. The resulting eye trauma created lingering medical complications for the British star.
Consequently, Gane defeated Alex Pereira in June to capture another interim belt. Aspinall later vacated his strap in September because of his ongoing eye recovery. Therefore, Gane stepped up as undisputed champion ahead of his scheduled clash with Hokit.
Josh Hokit Questions Aspinall’s Combat Ambitions
Josh Hokit acknowledged the interest surrounding a future clash with Aspinall. However, he raised questions about whether the former champion truly plans to return to MMA. The 29-year-old fighter pointed to Aspinall’s recent career moves outside the cage.
Specifically, Aspinall signed with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn earlier this year. Hearn has engaged in a public feud with UFC president Dana White for months. Therefore, Hokit suggested that Aspinall might be chasing lucrative boxing bouts instead of Octagon battles.
“You signed with Eddie Hearn, Dana’s arch nemesis,” Hokit noted during his media session. In addition, he suggested the move signals an interest in pure money fights. As a result, questions remain regarding Aspinall’s long-term commitment to mixed martial arts.
Nevertheless, Josh Hokit remains open to the fight if Aspinall decides to step back into the cage. Hokit quipped that while Aspinall wears glasses, he will continue entertaining the masses. Furthermore, he emphasized that proper financial agreements will dictate what happens next.
Divisive Persona and What Comes Next
Josh Hokit has drawn substantial attention for his WWE-style character and bold public remarks. For example, he made bizarre comments regarding Michelle Obama during his White House appearance this summer. Consequently, he remains one of the most polarizing figures on the current roster.
Despite the backlash, the unbeaten heavyweight focuses on reshaping the division. He began wrestling at age four and started playing football at age seven. Therefore, he believes his lifelong athletic journey prepared him directly for this championship moment.
Furthermore, Hokit claimed that dethroning Gane would signify that “Gotham is saved.” He argued that the weight class has lacked an active, durable champion for far too long. As a result, he aims to end that era of stagnation permanently.
Ultimately, everything hinges on his performance in the cage this weekend. If Gane retains, the French champion will cement his undisputed standing. However, if Hokit prevails, a high-stakes showdown with Aspinall could become the division’s biggest future spectacle.
Source: Independent Sport
