During the official UFC 334 Countdown Show, Hokit spoke candidly about Gane’s career trajectory, specifically focusing on the lone stoppage defeat suffered by the former interim champion. Rather than viewing the dangerous striker as an insurmountable obstacle, Hokit believes that the tactical roadmap to victory has already been drawn by fighters who came before him. More importantly, he is placing his complete trust in the historic gym that helped orchestrate that very blueprint, convinced that his coaching staff holds the definitive answers to dismantle Gane’s world-class striking arsenal once again.
Josh Hokit thinks his coaches have the blueprint to beat Ciryl Gane
The source of Hokit’s unwavering self-assurance traces back to a landmark moment in recent UFC history. Back in March 2023 at UFC 285, Jon Jones made remarkably light work of Ciryl Gane when the two collided for the vacant heavyweight championship. In what many expected to be a high-stakes, prolonged tactical chess match between a returning legend and a modern striking maestro, the fight ended almost as soon as it began.
Jon Jones needed a mere 124 seconds to close the distance, secure a dominant takedown, lock in a tight guillotine choke, and force Gane to tap out in the opening round. That emphatic victory not only cemented Jones’ legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial arts practitioners of all time, but it also highlighted specific structural vulnerabilities in Gane’s grappling defense when confronted with elite wrestling pressure and rapid-fire aggression.
Crucially, Jones accomplished that feat with the legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson orchestrating his corner strategy. Now, Josh Hokit finds himself training at the very same institution—Jackson-Wink MMA—where Jones forged much of his legendary career. Immersed in that gym’s rich championship pedigree, Hokit firmly believes that the institutional knowledge, technical insights, and tactical sparring within the camp will allow him to replicate a similarly devastating result when he shares the Octagon with Gane at UFC 334.
Reflecting on his camp’s profound familiarity with the opponent, Hokit expressed complete faith in his training partners and mentors. "My coaches are familiar with Ciryl Gane," Hokit shared during the countdown special. "My coaches know how to beat him because it’s already happened. The Jackson-Wink camp, they know how to beat Ciryl Gane in under two minutes."
Mike Winkeljohn explains how Josh Hokit will beat Ciryl Gane
While the fighters themselves ultimately carry the burden of execution inside the cage, the architects behind the scenes play an invaluable role in formulating a winning strategy. Veteran MMA trainer Mike Winkeljohn—who has been a foundational pillar of the Jackson-Wink MMA legacy and previously worked alongside Jon Jones, though he was not physically in the corner for the UFC 285 victory—shares the exact same optimism as his rising heavyweight charge.
Winkeljohn has observed Hokit’s development closely and believes that the undefeated contender possesses a unique blend of athletic attributes that will spell trouble for Gane over the course of the championship bout. According to the veteran coach, Hokit’s superior conditioning, high-level wrestling base, and relentless forward pressure are the exact ingredients needed to neutralize Gane’s fluid outside kickboxing and movement-heavy style.
"The advantage that Josh has over Ciryl is definitely the conditioning factor behind it," Winkeljohn explained during the fight week analysis. He emphasized that Hokit’s multi-dimensional skill set allows him to pose threats from multiple ranges, preventing opponents from ever settling into a comfortable rhythm. "He can change levels, accelerate forward, play the game outside, and mess with your head. So, you are fighting a really high-level, intelligent strategist."
Winkeljohn anticipates a grueling, high-paced battle where Hokit’s relentless determination will ultimately break the Frenchman’s defensive shell. Rather than expecting a quiet, measured affair, the coach envisions a chaotic environment that Gane will struggle to manage as the minutes tick away.
"Josh will not be beaten. Josh is going to slowly figure out a way to close the gap," Winkeljohn added, outlining the expected progression of Saturday night’s main event. "It’s gonna be a lot of chaos going on for Ciryl that he’s going to have to deal with, and Josh will find a way to finish him."
As the clock winds down toward fight night at Madison Square Garden, the narratives surrounding UFC 334 continue to crystallize. For Josh Hokit, stepping into the Octagon for his first UFC championship opportunity represents the culmination of a flawless 10-0 professional run. Backed by the historic expertise of the Jackson-Wink MMA coaching staff and armed with the tactical lessons of the past, the heavyweight contender is fully prepared to implement the blueprint and leave New York City draped in championship gold.
