UFC president Dana White had only good things to say about Josh Hokit after the challenger's first professional loss at UFC 334. Hokit was defeated by Ciryl Gane in a unanimous decision in the five-round main event at Madison Square Garden in New York, Gane's first defence of the undisputed heavyweight title. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night honours and $100,000 bonuses.

Hokit's polarising persona had made him a figure many fans rooted against, and White had been among his critics, including over distasteful remarks Hokit made about former First Lady Michelle Obama following his win on the White House lawn in June. White had also said he matched Hokit against tough opponents because of his dislike for him. At the post-event press conference, however, White said those issues were behind him. "Listen, I've had my issues with Hokit, right?" White said. "But think about this tonight too: Hokit's first five-round main event, and he went five hard, crazy rounds."S1

White praised Hokit's pace and durability, saying the challenger set an insane tempo and kept up relentless pressure even as Gane gained the upper hand in the final two rounds. White noted that pressing Gane was the right approach because the champion moves unusually well for a heavyweight. "The guy's got an unbelievable chin, unstoppable cardio, and I give him nothing but respect for the fight that he fought tonight," White said. "Stock went up with me."S1S2

It remains unclear whether White will grant Hokit's request for a rematch with Gane. Instead, White pointed to a grudge match against Alex Pereira as a "fun" next fight for Hokit. Pereira first faces heavyweight knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 in December.S1