Josh Hokit has signaled his intent to challenge former heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, provided he can first dethrone Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 this weekend. The American contender, who is currently positioned to fight for the undisputed heavyweight belt, expressed openness to a bout with the Briton should he secure a victory over the Frenchman. This potential matchup adds a layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division as Hokit looks to establish his dominance immediately after a title change.
Controversial heavyweight sets sights on former champ despite eye injury uncertainty
The path to this potential showdown is complex, rooted in recent title vacancies and injuries. Gane currently holds the undisputed belt after being elevated from interim champion following Aspinall’s decision to vacate the main title. Aspinall stepped aside due to ongoing complications from a severe eye injury sustained during his October fight against Gane, which involved multiple eye pokes. Gane had previously won the interim title by stopping Alex Pereira at the White House in June, a performance that came moments after Hokit’s TKO of Derrick Lewis, setting the stage for the current title landscape.
While Aspinall’s in-ring future remains uncertain as he focuses on recovery, Hokit’s willingness to fight him highlights the high stakes of the upcoming weekend. A win over Gane would not only crown Hokit as the undisputed heavyweight champion but also position him for a high-profile rematch with the former holder. This dynamic underscores the volatility of the UFC heavyweight division, where injuries and title vacancies continue to reshape the competitive hierarchy and fan expectations.
Source: The Independent Sport
