Ciryl Gane defeated Josh Hokit via unanimous decision (48-47 on all scorecards) at UFC 334 on Saturday night, a result that drew vocal disapproval from the Madison Square Garden crowd.
Hokit, a favorite of the New York audience, suffered his first career defeat in the heavyweight title fight. Following the loss, Hokit expressed a philosophical outlook in the Octagon, stating, “I will rejoice in my suffering. Suffering builds endurance. And endurance builds hope.”
The fight saw Hokit employing a frantic, pressure-heavy style against the Muay Thai striker Gane. Hokit initiated the action with takedown attempts, securing a single-leg early in the first round and later landing strikes after another takedown. Gane, however, found success with his striking, particularly with an uppercut that landed effectively throughout the bout.
In the second round, Gane began to defend Hokit's takedowns more effectively and landed combinations as Hokit's initial burst of energy waned. Despite Gane appearing to slow midway through, Hokit continued to advance, landing punches that caused visible damage, including a bloody nose for Gane.
The later rounds featured Hokit engaging in clinch work and dirty boxing, while Gane sought to counter with high-impact offense, including knees. Both fighters continued to press forward, with the bout remaining competitive until the final horn. The judges ultimately scored the fight for Gane, a decision not favored by the live audience.
