Dana White admits he ‘f*cked up’ Ciryl Gane announcement, reacts to Josh Hokit getting title shot

Ciryl Gane is now the UFC's undisputed heavyweight champion after capturing the interim belt with a knockout of Alex Pereira at UFC White House. UFC CEO Dana White clarified the promotion at the UFC 331 post-fight press conference, admitting he had misspoken about Gane's status. "I f*cked up," White said, confirming that Gane holds the undisputed title ahead of his next fight.

Gane will defend his newly confirmed championship against Josh Hokit in the main event of UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The heavyweight title fight comes after Tom Aspinall relinquished his belt due to ongoing recovery from multiple eye surgeries, prompting the UFC to crown a new champion this month.

White took the opportunity to air his frustrations with Hokit, a fighter whose public remarks and behavior have drawn the CEO's ire. White referenced Hokit's controversial comments about former First Lady Michelle Obama during the UFC White House card in June, making clear his disapproval hasn't softened. "I literally don't f*cking like anything that Josh Hokit says," White stated bluntly at the press conference. "That's not going to change unless he changes, which I don't see happening."

Despite his personal feelings toward Hokit, White acknowledged he cannot police what fighters say publicly and noted that many fighters he dislikes have thrived in the UFC. White suggested Hokit's antics will likely continue leading up to the title fight, but emphasized this is something he must accept as part of running the promotion. The bout sets up a scenario where a fighter whose public persona White strongly disapproves of could become the face of the heavyweight division and company.