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Josh Hokit’s UFC legend could be born at the Garden: Jon Anik
UFC commentator Jon Anik says Josh Hokit has the athletic ability and tools to make a name for himself at Madison Square Garden, where the UFC has staged landmark events since New York legalised the sport in 2016. Hokit faces former title challenger Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 on Saturday, but is the underdog against the highly regarded heavyweight.
Anik says Hokit’s wrestling, speed and physical pressure could give him a route to victory if he makes the fight demanding and drags it into the later rounds. Hokit previously beat Derrick Lewis at the UFC Freedom 250 event, though a controversial remark after the bout drew attention away from his performance. Anik also points to Hokit’s college football and wrestling background, while stressing that Gane’s quality makes the matchup difficult.
In short
- Anik sees a possible path for Hokit to make history at the Garden.
- Hokit is the underdog against former title challenger Ciryl Gane.
- Wrestling, pressure and a longer fight could favour Hokit.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Hokit’s athleticism, wrestling and ability to apply pressure could trouble Gane, particularly if he makes the fight physically demanding and carries that intensity into the later rounds. His win over Derrick Lewis and experience in college football and wrestling give supporters reason to believe he has the tools to produce a major upset at Madison Square Garden.
The case against
Gane’s standing as a highly regarded heavyweight and former title challenger makes him a formidable opponent, and Hokit’s athletic tools alone do not establish that he can impose his preferred kind of fight. The case for caution is that Gane may be able to handle the pressure and expose the difficulty of turning potential and one notable win into a lasting UFC legacy.