Aiemann Zahabi thinks Josh Hokit will have a tough time defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 334, but he could get some wins before stepping into the octagon.
Hokit (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) will challenge Gane (14-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) for the heavyweight title in the Nov. 14 main event at Madison Square Garden in New York (Paramount+). It's been a quick rise for Hokit, who will fight for gold just days after the one-year anniversary of his octagon debut.
Zahabi, who shared the UFC Freedom 250 fight card with Hokit at the White House in June, has seen how the outspoken contender has been able to get a rise out of people on the microphone. Ranked bantamweight Zahabi, who also serves as an analyst for UFC and its Canadian broadcast partner Sportsnet, thinks Hokit is good
for his division overall, and sees some ways he can irk Gane before fight night arrives.
"Hokit hasn't had that many fights, but I think it does make sense to fight for the title," Zahabi told MMA Junkie. "He's going to bring the eyes, and heavyweight is kind of on life support. It's a little bit on life support. ... I can't wait to hear the trash talk. I think Hokit should learn a little bit of French. If I was going to give Hokit advice, just learn a few words because it would also be hilarious. And MMA in France right now is blowing up. It would be hilarious if he learned one or two little catchphrases in French."
No matter what words are exchanged prior to UFC 334, it will ultimately come down to what unfolds inside the octagon. Zahabi sees a lot of promise out of Hokit through his fast assent through the rankings, but given his experience level, admits Gane might be too much.
"Whoever wins this could really make a good lineal champion and restart the division," Zahabi said. "I still think Ciryl has the advantage in this fight. Too much experience. His striking is phenomenal. His distance control is incredible. I don't know if Hokit is going to be able to hold him down. If he does, he's going to win. I lean towards Gane based on octagon experience."
To hear more from Zahabi, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC analyst gives Josh Hokit advice to irk Ciryl Gane before UFC 334
