Daniel Cormier explains why Josh Hokit should get Ciryl Gane title shot after Tom Aspinall exit
Daniel Cormier believes Josh Hokit should challenge Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight title, explaining why the undefeated contender is the ideal opponent.
On Monday morning, Tom Aspinall officially announced that he is vacating the UFC heavyweight belt due to ongoing eye injuries that have kept him medically unfit to fight for an uncertain period of time. He explained that he doesn't want to hold the division and that other heavyweights should have the opportunity to win the belt.
Now Ciryl Gane is expected to be elevated to undisputed champion. He captured the interim heavyweight champion after knocking out Alex Pereira in the second round at UFC Freedom 250.
Who will Gane face in his title defense? Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier has answered that and has named Josh Hokit as a potential fight, explaining the reason behind his pick.
Daniel Cormier names Josh Hokit as ideal opponent for Ciryl Gane
Pereira and Hokit both have demanded a showdown against Gane for the title. However, Cormier feels that UFC should look no further than ‘The Incredible Hok’.
In his recent YouTube video, Cormier explained that Hokit’s fighting style, personality, undefeated record, and willingness to engage make him the ideal opponent for Gane.
“Ciryl Gane should become the UFC heavyweight champion. Ciryl Gane should defend the heavyweight championship against Josh Hokit. That's the fight,” Cormier said. “I believe that Josh Hokit’s antics, his fighting ability, and his willingness to stand and fight the way that he fights are all reasons why Josh Hokit should be fighting for the UFC heavyweight championship next against Ciryl Gane.”
The former champion believes Hokit would not be intimidated by Gane and would be willing to compete with him, while his brash personality could attract both supporters and detractors. In Cormier’s view, even fans who dislike the former NFL star would still tune in to watch him compete.
“He will compete with him because he's not afraid of him. He will sell, even if in that selling, he is pissing people off. He will bring eyes to the event. He is undefeated. He's brash. He's cocky… Josh Hokit is the type of heavyweight contender that, even if you show up to hate him, you will still show up. I have no doubt in my mind. It should be Hokit,” Cormier added.
Check out Daniel Cormier's comments below:
Hokit could get the title shot, as he has built a fan base in recent times through his personality, which many find annoying. However, his fighting style and willingness to trade punches back up his words when he steps inside the octagon have earned him a huge fan base.
He was involved in a slugfest against Curtis Blaydes and secured a decision victory. Following that, he knocked out veteran Derrick Lewis in the second round at UFC White House. Hokit has four victories in the promotion, three of which have come by way of stoppage.
Hokit feels he has done enough to earn the title shot and believes the fight between him and Gane will be entertaining for fans.
Josh Hokit sends bold message to Ciryl Gane after title opportunity opens up
In his post on X, Hokit called out Gane for a potential heavyweight title fight and emphasized that if Pereira, who is demanding a rematch with the Frenchman, wins one fight in the heavyweight division, he would be willing to face him in early 2027. ‘The Incredible Hok’ also promised to stay active and become the most active champion in the UFC.
“The fans deserve Me vs Gane. I’ll give Ciryl what he has coming. If Alex can win 1 fight in my weight class, I’ll give it to him too, early ‘27. I’ll be the most active champ in the company,” Hokit wrote.
Check out Josh Hokit's X post below:
Hokit and Pereira are both in the title mix, but the Brazilian has fought just once in the heavyweight division. He faced Gane at UFC Freedom 250 for the interim title and lost by knockout, which could hurt his case for an immediate rematch.
Meanwhile, Hokit remains undefeated, has momentum on his side, and is emerging as a rising star in the promotion. As a result, the American is likely to have the edge over the former two-division champion when it comes to earning the next title shot.
