Velasquez backs unbeaten Hokit to dethrone Gane at UFC 334 in New York

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has publicly backed Josh Hokit to pull off one of the division’s biggest upsets when the 10-0 contender challenges Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on 14 November at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Gane enters the bout as the betting favourite, but Velasquez — a Hall of Famer and two-time heavyweight titleholder — believes the unbeaten American is being underestimated. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Velasquez drew a striking comparison between Hokit’s rapid rise and Conor McGregor’s trajectory, citing both his in-cage performances and his ability to generate attention outside of it.

“He deserves what he’s getting as far as a title shot,” Velasquez said. “He’s also taking the route, somewhat of a Conor McGregor, to speak in a way that creates attention… I think Josh is gonna surprise people on [Saturday]. He’s way more complete than Gane is.”

Hokit earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series and has gone 4-0 inside the organisation, most recently defeating Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis to cement his title credentials. His perfect professional record stands at 10-0.

Gane, meanwhile, carries a 14-2 record with one no-contest into the fight. The Frenchman was elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt, having previously held interim title status. His only two defeats in a seven-year, 12-fight UFC run came against former champions Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones — a résumé that underlines just how rare it has been for anyone to get the better of “Bon Gamin”.

Velasquez’s endorsement adds a notable voice to what is shaping up as a compelling heavyweight title fight, with Hokit’s unbeaten record and momentum set against Gane’s championship pedigree and experience at the very top of the division.