Dana White is not looking forward to a world where Josh Hokit is heavyweight champion.
Hokit faces undisputed champion Ciryl Gane, who is defending the title for the first time, at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on November 14. Tom Aspinall had to give up the belt because of complications from his eye injuries.
White was asked after UFC 331 in Los Angeles how he felt about Hokit potentially holding the title. He did not hide it.
I’ve got a lot of thoughts on that. Lots and lots. I’m sure they are the same thoughts you are all having. I doubt we are that different.
He was careful to say it would not stop Hokit from getting his chance.
I don’t have to like you for you to thrive here and you to do well and be successful. Many people that I do not like have done very well here.
Then he clarified exactly what bothers him.
I’m not saying that I don’t like Josh Hokit. I literally don’t —-ing like anything Josh Hokit says. And that’s not going to change unless he changes, which I don’t see happening. I’m going to have to deal with that. That’s a me issue.
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 20, 2026
The former NFL player earned his UFC contract on the Contender Series and debuted last November. He is 10-0 and stopped Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 in June. His interviews and press conference characters have drawn plenty of attention along the way.
Gane won the interim title by stopping Alex Pereira on the same White House card.
