Last man to beat Ciryl Gane on a scorecard hoping ‘easier’ Josh Hokit avenges him at UFC 334

Alexander Volkov has revealed his preferred result for the next heavyweight title fight.

Ciryl Gane will defend his belt against Josh Hokit in a clash between two somewhat controversial stars at the world’s most famous arena next month.

The matchup is certainly going to draw a lot of attention, though it only produced a laughing reaction from Volkov when it was announced.

‘Drago’ is set on earning his first title shot and as a result, is hoping that the belt will change hands next month at Madison Square Garden.

Dana White has said that Alexander Volkov is still right in the mix despite missing out on a heavyweight title shot once again.

The UFC president himself felt like the Russian deserved to get his hand raised when he fought to a split decision with Ciryl Gane in their 2024 rematch.

Volkov has been beaten by the Frenchman via the scorecards on two occasions and is backing him to beat Josh Hokit next month if he had to bet on one man.

However, with his own title aspirations being his priority, ‘Drago’ believes that the reign of ‘Bon Gamin’ coming to an end would be the best outcome for him.

“For me, best way will be if Josh Hokit wins and I win my fight and we meet for the title,” he told Helen Yee Sports. “For me, it will be the easier fight, easier title shot.”

Despite Volkov previously mocking Hokit, he did go on to apologize for calling him an easier fight, stating that he doesn’t want to say anything about him because he’s a “nice guy”.

Volkov is set to face Rizvan Kuniev later this month in a matchup that could be a title eliminator depending on how things play out.

The final numbered UFC event of the year could also produce a heavyweight title challenger, with Alex Pereira facing Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main event.

Alexander Volkov had a humorous take on this matchup when being asked for his reaction.

He joked that it will be a very exciting press conference due to how few words both men say when being asked questions on fight week.

Following this, he backed his former opponent Pavlovich to secure the win, expressing his lack of confidence in Pereira’s heavyweight run.

“I see Alex Pereira going on a losing streak because it’s a very hard matchup for him, especially because Pavlovich punches very hard,” Volkov said.