Hokit Mocks Steveson, Jones Before UFC 334
Undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit made a crude remark about Gable Steveson and Jon Jones on a podcast ahead of his title challenge against Ciryl Gane.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Josh Hokit made a crude remark about Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson and Jon Jones while speaking with Jorge Masvidal on a podcast. Hokit, an undefeated heavyweight, is set to challenge Ciryl Gane for the UFC title at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden.
Why it matters
The remark ties a fight promotion to the lingering rivalry surrounding Jackson-Wink, the Albuquerque gym where Jon Jones built his name. It also comes as Hokit prepares for his first title shot in a heavyweight division reshaped by Gane's recent rise to undisputed champion.
Hokit has four UFC wins in under a year, including a second-round knockout of Derrick Lewis in June. He outlasted Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 before earning his title shot against Ciryl Gane.
The players
Josh Hokit
An undefeated UFC heavyweight who has built a four-fight winning run in under a year and now challenges for the title.
Ciryl Gane
A French heavyweight who became undisputed UFC champion in September after Tom Aspinall vacated the title.
Gable Steveson
An American freestyle wrestler and Olympic gold medalist at 125kg in Tokyo who has transitioned into mixed martial arts.
Jon Jones
A former UFC light heavyweight champion and one of the most decorated fighters in the sport's history, trained at Jackson-Wink in Albuquerque.
The details
Speaking with Jorge Masvidal, Hokit said Steveson is not at Jackson-Wink and is doing his own thing with Jon Jones. Jones was banned from Jackson-Wink in 2021 following a run-in with law enforcement.
Timeline
2021: Jon Jones banned from Jackson-Wink after a law enforcement run-in.
June 2026: Hokit knocks out Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250.
September 2026: Tom Aspinall vacates the title over eye complications, and Gane becomes undisputed champion.
November 4, 2026: Hokit makes the crude remark about Steveson and Jones.
November 14, 2026: Hokit challenges Gane at UFC 334 in New York.
Season Trajectory
Hokit's rapid rise and title shot come as the heavyweight division reorganizes after Aspinall's vacated belt passed to Gane. The Jackson-Wink rivalry adds a camp-based storyline that often shapes how contenders are positioned for major cards.
The UFC 334 title fight on November 14 will determine the heavyweight champion and reshape the division's contender picture. Fantasy and betting audiences should note Hokit's four recent wins as a key data point ahead of the card.
The takeaway
Public remarks between fighters can quickly reshape a title narrative, and fans following UFC 334 should watch how the Jackson-Wink storyline develops before fight week.
What happens next
Hokit challenges Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden.
Further reading
For broader coverage of the sport, explore Mixed Martial Arts news and analysis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
