Crowd favorite Josh Hokit handed first career loss by Ciryl Gane at UFC 334

Ciryl Gane beat Josh Hokit by unanimous decision in their heavyweight title fight at UFC 334, giving Hokit his first career loss. The judges scored it 48-47, while the Madison Square Garden crowd had strongly backed Hokit and voiced its displeasure at the result.

Hokit repeatedly pressed forward and attempted takedowns, mixing clinch work and punches with Gane’s more accurate striking. Gane defended many of the takedowns and landed uppercuts and knees; both fighters appeared to tire, but the contest remained close through five rounds. Hokit reflected on the loss with a Bible quotation after the fight, without his usual brashness.