Jones backs Hokit to dethrone Gane at UFC 334 but admits a Gane win burnishes his own legacy

Jon Jones has backed Josh Hokit to pull off an upset against UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 334, while openly admitting that a Gane defence would also enhance his own legacy.

Gane (14-2) puts his title on the line against the unbeaten Hokit (10-0) on 14 November at Madison Square Garden in New York. Speaking to The Schmo, Jones — who submitted Gane in 2023 to claim the heavyweight belt — said his former training-camp affiliate is a genuine threat to the French champion.

“Josh looks great right now,” Jones said. “He’s doing a great job; obviously, he’s coached by some of the best in the world. I’ve always supported wrestlers and backed wrestlers. So, my prediction is that I believe Hokit very well could win, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it doesn’t make our brand look great when Ciryl Gane beats people. So, may the best man win.”

Hokit trains at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, the same gym where Jones spent much of his career, which partly explains “Bones’” affinity for the challenger. Jones praised both Hokit’s recent performances inside the Octagon and the quality of his coaching staff.

The candid admission that a Gane victory carries personal value for Jones adds an unusual dimension to his prediction. By beating Gane via submission two years ago, Jones established himself as the man who ended the Frenchman’s first title run; every subsequent Gane win reinforces the quality of that scalp.

With Hokit entering the contest with a perfect professional record and the backing of one of MMA’s most decorated camps, the UFC 334 main event shapes up as a genuine 50-50 contest — at least in the eyes of the man who knows Gane better than almost anyone.