Why Alexander Volkov is Backing Josh Hokit to Win Over Ciryl Gane

There's little debate that Josh Hokit has skyrocketed in the UFC. From his debut only last year to now challenging the division's kingpin, the former NFL star quickly cleared the hurdles in the 205-lb division. Now, the underdog in the Ciryl Gane clash has Alexander Volkov rooting for him, although with an asterisk.

Alexander Volkov Sees Perfect Title Opportunity With Hokit's Success

Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit will headline UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in NYC. The heavyweight title bout tilts heavily towards the -270 favorite Bon Gamin. Russian heavyweight 'Drago' Volkov, however, supports Hokit to grab the victory, even though he'd probably put his eggs in the basket for Gane. 

In a recent appearance on the Helen Yee Sports channel, Drago made his thoughts about the title bout clear. Although the Octagon remains an unpredictable landscape, Gane holds the edge.

"This sport is unpredictable like everybody have a chance to win. Of course Ciryl Gane have more chances to win like speaking seriously, but it's never predictable." 

In an ideal world for Volkov, 'The Incredible Hok' takes home the belt. With the Russian already fighting Rizvan Kuniev on Oct. 24 on the UFC 333 undercard, it could lead to an easy title shot for Volkov.

"I can bet on Ciryl Gane. But for me, the best way will be if Josh Hokit wins, and I win my fight, and we meet in a title shot. For me, it'll be the easiest fighter ever, easier title fight."

Alexander Volkov, ranked #2 in heavyweight, has been edging closer to a title fight with his recent successes. Still, Drago has some hard feelings with the UFC. 

Alexander Volkov Feels Trapped With Stalled UFC Progress

As the conversation shifted to the heavyweight title scene, Alexander Volkov was quick to clarify that there's no promise of him getting a whirl at the belt after the Kuniev clash. That's at the root of his frustrations with the UFC.

The 37-year-old claimed that he was being treated as a litmus test for rising prospects, whereas Hokit was allowed to take the easier route. 

"I feel a little bit trapped by the UFC, being a gatekeeper for guys who are just, you know, coming up. Kuniev is a guy on a win streak, just like Almeida and Costa were.

"They keep giving me young guys looking to climb to the top, and I'm just there to stop them from reaching the top five. But they didn't do this with Josh Hokit. They just let him go straight to a title shot."

Indeed, Rizvan Kuniev made his UFC debut only last year, in a losing effort. Both Waldo Cortes Acosta and Jailton Almeida have some experience in the promotion, although they come up short against Volkov's illustrious resume.

Still, the Russian hasn't given up on his dream, believing the heavyweight title isn't quite impossible to reach. However, for the time being, Rizvan Kuniev stands in the way.