Dana White settles debate over Josh Hokit getting title shot instead of Alex Pereira
Dana White has explained why the UFC chose Josh Hokit for the heavyweight title shot over Alex Pereira, addressing the promotion’s decision ahead of UFC 334.
UFC star Josh Hokit has made significant headlines over the past month, constantly taking shots at other fighters and demanding a heavyweight title shot. He got his opportunity over Alex Pereira, who was also demanding a rematch against champion Ciryl Gane.
Hokit is now set to fight for the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 334, which will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden on November 14. However, the UFC's decision to book Hokit over Pereira has generated discussion in the MMA community.
Now, UFC CEO Dana White has explained why the promotion chose Hokit instead of running back Gane vs. Pereira.
Dana White gives reason behind Josh Hokit getting heavyweight title shot over Alex Pereira
White is in Salt Lake City, Utah, for Saturday night's UFC 332. Ahead of the fight, backstage, White was asked why the promotion chose Hokit over Pereira for the title fight opportunity. The reporter suggested the Brazilian's star power could have justified an immediate rematch.
“We make fights based on who is the best in the world, who deserves to be there. And he's coming off a loss right now against Ciryl Gane.This is the fight to make. If I do the rematch, we all just saw the fight. And it wasn't like, holy shit that was a knockdown and the fans are demanding a rematch. You know, so yeah,” White said.
Check out Dana White's comments below:
Pereira fought Gane at UFC Fight Night 250 for the interim heavyweight belt. The Brazilian got knocked out in the second round and failed to capture the title. However, 'Poatan' heavily criticized referee Herb Dean, claiming that the Frenchman landed multiple illegal punches to the back of his head, and believes the referee should have stopped the fight right there.
Meanwhile, Hokit fought on the same card. He delivered a brilliant performance by knocking out veteran Derrick Lewis, extending his UFC win streak to four and earning him the title opportunity.
The matchup between Hokit and Gane has already been building excitement among fans and fighters alike, and they have been sharing their takes on the fight. Recently,
Chris Weidman weighed in on the showdown and shared his predictions.
Chris Weidman predicts Josh Hokit vs. Ciryl Gane
On the Deep Waters show, Weidman highlighted how efficiently Hokit has used his wrestling credentials early in his fights to dominate opponents. The former champion believes the challenger needs to do the same at UFC 334 to win the title. He feels Gane will have issues in the later rounds because of his fighting style, which will allow the American to take over the fight and implement his game plan.
"It's very taxing on the body to be that light on your feet, and I think a guy like Hokit, who's non-stop pressuring, eventually will start winning exchanges and getting the takedowns. I think he wears on Gane. No disrespect to Gane because I think the guy is unbelievable, but I think Hokit is just a tough matchup."
Check out Chris Weidman’s comments below:
