Bisping On Hokit's UFC 334 Challenge Against Gane

Michael Bisping says Josh Hokit faces a serious test when he challenges Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title at UFC 334.

Hokit earned the Madison Square Garden title shot after stopping Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis in back-to-back wins. The UFC announced the matchup during the UFC 331 broadcast, per BJPenn.com. Hokit enters on a 10-0 record with four UFC appearances in the last year.

Why Bisping Favours Gane

Bisping told his YouTube audience that Hokit will need to wrestle, but Gane's improved takedown defense makes that a tall order. "Ciryl Gane moves so well on the feet," Bisping said, according to MMA Junkie. "He is very athletic, very explosive, and more importantly, really technical." Bisping noted that Hokit throws recklessly and leaves openings that a striker of Gane's caliber can exploit.

Still, Bisping acknowledged Hokit's momentum. "It is a big mountain to climb for Josh Hokit," he said. "But if you look at what Josh Hokit has done, how can you underestimate the guy? He has become a viral sensation all over social media."

Hokit knocked out three of his last five opponents and became one of the sport's biggest names despite his polarizing persona. Gane enters off a win over Alex Pereira that restored him as the division's top technical striker.

UFC 334 takes place at Madison Square Garden with no date yet confirmed.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Josh Hokit has a big mountain to climb against Ciryl Gane, claims Michael Bisping