“I’ve Always Supported Wrestlers”: Jon Jones Makes Prediction on Josh Hokit vs. Ciryl Gane

Hokit has dominated several elite contenders in the division, including Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes. Now with a strong 5-0 UFC resume, the 28-year-old enters his first title bout. 

Hokit will take on new champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 in New York on November 14. This will be Gane’s first title defense since becoming the undisputed champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the title. Meanwhile, Jon Jones has shared his prediction for the matchup. 

Jon Jones Predicts Josh Hokit to Defeat Ciryl Gane

Jon Jones became the UFC heavyweight champion in 2023 by defeating Ciryl Gane via first-round guillotine choke. Thus, he believes that the more contenders Gane defeats, the better it will make his team look.

However, he picked Josh Hokit against the Frenchman in an interview with The Schomo. “I'd be lying if I didn't say that the more people Ciryl Gaon beats, it really just shows the specialness of our family and our team, how special our family and our team was. So my prediction is that I believe Hokit very well could win. But I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make our brand look great when Ciryl Gane beats people. So may the best man win,” Jones said. 

After his loss to Jones, Gane went on to win his next two fights. He then faced Tom Aspinall in a title bout in 2025, but the fight was stopped after Aspinall suffered an eye poke from Gane that could have long-term consequences.

Ciryl Gane’s Title Range

Ciryl Gane is one of the most skilled heavyweights in UFC history. He excels at long-range striking, combining precision with technique. However, the Frenchman has also had his fair share of controversies.

‘Bon Gamin’ has often faced criticism for fouls committed during his fights. Despite that, Gane has continued to secure high-profile bouts in the promotion.

Following the controversy surrounding the Aspinall fight, Gane defeated Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 in June to claim the interim heavyweight title.

He was scheduled to face Tom Aspinall, but the latter was unable to return due to the severity of his eye injury. The Brit vacated the title, and Gane was subsequently promoted to undisputed champion.

Gane becoming UFC champion without another fight has not gone down well with many fans. However, his upcoming bout against Hokit gives him a chance to silence his doubters.