Ciryl Gane on Josh Hokit title shot over Alexander Volkov: 'How's this possible?'

Ciryl Gane says he understands why ranked heavyweights are frustrated that Josh Hokit received the next UFC title shot ahead of more established contenders such as Alexander Volkov — and admitted he would feel the same way if he were in their shoes.

In a recent interview with RMC Sport Combat, relayed by Bloody Elbow on Saturday, the champion was asked whether Hokit deserved the UFC 334 Madison Square Garden challenge over fighters who have spent longer near the top of the division.

"If I put myself in the shoes of the guys in the top five, I wouldn't be happy," Gane said, per Bloody Elbow. "Naturally, I wouldn't be happy. I'd be thinking, 'How's this possible?' I've been here for a while, I've earned my spot."

Both sides of the Hokit booking

Gane said he can still see why the UFC made the fight. Hokit's wins, personality, and activity have pushed him into the conversation quickly, and the French champion argued that fighters need strong, convincing performances if they want leverage with the promotion.

"You see the first Volkov fight I won, the second fight was super close, borderline controversial, practically a draw. I still deserve my shot to go there, you know? I understand the frustration and the desire to talk on social media. To defend yourself. But, you have to understand the game," Gane said.

Volkov has won three straight against ranked opposition, including Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333, but was left waiting after Dana White previously struggled to articulate a clear title path for him. Hokit, meanwhile, arrives undefeated and as one of the most discussed heavyweights on the roster.

Mother off limits in fight-week trash talk

Separately in the same RMC Sport Combat appearance, covered by Knockout Daily, Gane said Hokit's trash talk will not rattle him — with one hard boundary.

"Ah, he does what he wants to do; I don't control it," Gane said. "But no, you can insult me. But my mom, you know you don't know my mom."

Gane also shrugged at the idea Hokit might brand him a cheater, saying he is confident looking in the mirror and knows he is not one. Hokit has a history of personal barbs, including comments about Alex Pereira's family during White House fight week, so the line sets an early tone for UFC 334 fight week.

Gane defends the heavyweight title against Hokit on November 14 at Madison Square Garden, with Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes for bantamweight gold in the co-main event.