Ciryl Gane Defeats Josh Hokit, Judges Scorecards, Prize Money, Stats and Highlights from UFC 334

Ciryl Gane managed to derail Josh Hokit’s hype train with a unanimous decision victory to defend his heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden.

Unsurprisingly, Hokit wasted no time in trying to impose his will in the fight. He charged at Gane from the opening bell and shot for an immediate takedown. He managed to get Gane to the mat, but it didn’t last long.

Some of Hokit’s momentum was halted by a glance from Gane. This would certainly be a controversial moment given Gane’s history with accidental glances.

However, Hokit recovered well enough to pick up Gane and drop him late in the first frame.

Hokit’s aggression didn’t really slow down in the second round. He stayed right in front of the champion and pushed the pace throughout the round.

Gane was landing. According to , he actually landed more strikes than Hokit, but the challenger’s pressure was clearly impacting his game plan. Hokit was dragging Gane into the deep waters to test his mettle in the championship rounds.

Gane found more success during these championship rounds. He started landing shorter strikes in the clinch and increased his bodywork to slow down Hokit.

The 36-year-old continued to finish the fight strong, opening up his striking game and finishing the fight with 252 significant strikes, according to ESPN Fight Center.

This victory further cements Gane as champion of the division, although Tom Aspinall still looms.

This was technically Gane’s first fight as official champion of the division. He first won the interim championship by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.

However, this is due to unfinished business between Gane and Tom Aspinall. The 33-year-old’s fight with Gane ended in a No Contest after an accidental eye poke ended the fight.

Unfortunately, Aspinall has still not returned. He underwent several surgeries to treat the eye injury he suffered during their fight. Gane became the undisputed heavyweight champion in Aspinall’s absence.

“Yes, of course,” Gane replied when asked if he had to beat Aspinall to feel like the undisputed champion. “I hope he recovers quickly, and then we will definitely have a rematch. Everyone wants to see this fight.”

Gane feels like he was winning the fight when the accidental eye poke happened in the first round, but there’s still a feeling that the division isn’t resolved.

Aspinall has not set a timetable for his return to action, so it is possible that Gane will have to fight someone else in his next defense.

For now, Gane sits atop the division as undisputed king with one notable challenger defeated.