Josh Hokit Targets Ciryl Gane Following Heavyweight Title Vacancy

Following the news that Tom Aspinall has officially relinquished the UFC heavyweight championship, heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit has publicly turned his attention toward Ciryl Gane. Aspinall's decision to vacate the title stems from a persistent eye injury sustained during his October 2025 bout against Gane, which resulted from a double eye poke. While there was initial optimism regarding Aspinall's recovery timeline, the long-term nature of the damage ultimately necessitated the removal of the belt. In light of this development, Hokit expressed his interest in a potential showdown with the French contender. Hokit explicitly stated his intention to secure a fight with Gane, suggesting the Frenchman has unsettled business to answer for regarding the circumstances surrounding the title vacancy. As the heavyweight division navigates this period of instability, the field is expected to shift significantly to determine the next challenger for the vacant throne. Gane, who remains a top-ranked contender despite the controversial nature of his recent outings, has yet to issue a formal response to Hokit's comments. The UFC has not yet announced a timeline or criteria for the vacant heavyweight championship bout, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on the potential pairings that will emerge in the coming months.

Source: MMA Mania.