Gane Headlines UFC 334 as Ngannou Claims Heavyweight Legacy

UFC 334 is set for November 14 at Madison Square Garden, with Ciryl Gane facing Josh Hokit in the heavyweight title bout. Gane will enter his first defense as champion after knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250. Hokit earned the title opportunity after making his UFC debut a year ago and defeating Curtis Blaydes.

The heavyweight title picture has shifted through several changes. Jon Jones retired, Tom Aspinall was sidelined by an eye injury, and Ngannou left the UFC. Gane had previously challenged Ngannou for the belt, losing their unification fight at UFC 270. Ngannou has now asserted that he remains the division’s lineal champion, saying the undisputed belt is in his closet in Cameroon.

Gane’s latest title status followed a second-round finish of Pereira, after which he was elevated from interim champion. His previous attempt to win the undisputed title ended when an eye injury prevented Aspinall from continuing at UFC 321. Aspinall underwent surgery on both eyes, with his return timeline unclear.

The co-main event pairs women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison with Amanda Nunes, who is returning after three years away from competition. Harrison’s bout is her first since neck surgery. The card also includes Caio Borralho against Yousri Belgaroui and Uros Medic against Kevin Holland.

Gane is favored at -218, with Hokit at +180. Harrison is listed at -185 against Nunes at +154. The main card is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Eastern time and will be available on Paramount+.