Hokit privately told Gane he'd beat him at basketball and MMA before UFC 334 title fight

Ciryl Gane has disclosed an unexpected private message from Josh Hokit in which the unbeaten challenger claimed he could beat the UFC heavyweight champion in two sports — basketball and MMA — ahead of their title fight at UFC 334.

Gane revealed the exchange in an interview with RMC Sport Combat, saying the message caught him off guard and left him amused. “He’s messaged me privately before. I’ve never told anyone this,” Gane said. “He said, ‘I’d beat you at basketball. I won’t beat you at soccer because soccer is a wimp’s sport. And I’d beat you in MMA too.’” The champion added: “Then he gets back to his bit. It’s funny.”

The disclosure adds a lighter dimension to what is otherwise a high-stakes heavyweight title fight. Gane (14-2) will make the first defence of his heavyweight title against the undefeated Hokit (10-0) in the main event of UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Hokit enters the bout as one of the most hyped prospects in the division, carrying a perfect professional record into the biggest fight of his career. Gane, a former interim champion who reclaimed the undisputed title, now faces the challenge of a younger, unbeaten contender whose confidence — at least in private — appears to extend well beyond the octagon.