Ciryl Gane Gets the Heavyweight Belt Without a Fight, and Josh Hokit Gets the First Shot

Ciryl Gane became the UFC's undisputed heavyweight champion this month without stepping into the cage. Tom Aspinall had to give up the title because of an eye problem that won't go away, and the UFC promoted Gane, its interim champion, to fill the gap.

His first defense is set: Josh Hokit, at UFC 334 in Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14.

Gane (14-2) won the interim belt for the second time in June, knocking out Alex Pereira on the card held at the White House. The plan had been a rematch with Aspinall later in the year. Now he gets an unbeaten opponent with a very different reputation.

Hokit is 10-0 and 28, a former Fresno State football player who plays up a pro wrestling-style character. That act has included derogatory comments about Michelle Obama, made at the White House event.

The co-main event

The same night, Kayla Harrison (19-1) defends her bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes (23-5). Nunes hasn't fought since June 2023, and the two were supposed to meet in January before Harrison needed neck surgery. It's being billed as one of the biggest fights women's MMA has seen.