Jones taunts Hokit after Gane defends UFC heavyweight title at UFC 334

Ciryl Gane successfully defended the UFC heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334, prompting a swift and pointed response from retired former champion Jon Jones, who wasted no time reminding the MMA world of his own history with both men.

Jones, who submitted Gane in the first round to claim heavyweight gold back in 2023, offered a backhanded compliment to his former opponent while taking aim at Hokit. “Same coaches, different results,” Jones wrote on social media, referencing the fact that Hokit, like Gane, trains under Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn. “Put your hand down. Good job Frenchman!”

The retired two-division champion also appeared to address Hokit’s pre-fight comments without naming him directly. “Bro, I know it’s the craziest coincidence,” Jones wrote. “Almost every single fighter that talks crap about me ends up losing the next fight. I swear it’s been that way for years. Weird. I’m not gonna lie, it’s kind of nice.”

Jones stepped away from competition after winning and defending the heavyweight title, having previously cemented his legacy as the most dominant light heavyweight in UFC history. Despite his retirement, he has remained an active and combative presence on social media, and Hokit’s defeat appears to have given him fresh material.

For Gane, the victory represents a significant moment in a career that seemed in jeopardy after the brutal first-round loss to Jones two years ago. The Frenchman has since rebuilt his standing in the division and now holds the belt Jones vacated, though Jones was quick to ensure the narrative remained anchored to his own undefeated record against both men in his orbit.