UFC CEO Dana White has commented on the situation surrounding Alexander Volkov and the heavyweight title fight.
As reported by İdman.Biz, the heavyweight division underwent a major reshuffle after Tom Aspinall vacated his championship due to ongoing problems with his eye. Interim champion Ciryl Gane was subsequently elevated to undisputed champion.
Gane's first title defense will come against unbeaten American Josh Hokit at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 14. The UFC officially lists the bout as a heavyweight championship fight.
The decision raised questions because Volkov had been widely viewed as one of the leading contenders for the next title opportunity. The Russian is coming off a strong run in the division, while his most recent meeting with Gane ended in a controversial split-decision defeat at UFC 310 in December 2024. White himself publicly disagreed with the judges' decision after that fight.
However, the UFC opted to give the opportunity to Hokit, who has rapidly climbed the heavyweight hierarchy. The unbeaten American holds a 10-0 professional record and has recorded notable UFC victories over Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis.
White has stressed that personal feelings toward Hokit did not influence the matchmaking decision. The UFC chief admitted that he strongly disagrees with many of the challenger's public comments but noted that fighters can continue to advance in the promotion as long as they keep winning.
"I don't have to like you for you to thrive here and do well and be successful," White said when discussing Hokit and his title opportunity.
Volkov, meanwhile, has made no secret of his disappointment. The Russian reacted sarcastically to Hokit's title shot and reiterated that he still intends to fight for the heavyweight belt.
The 37-year-old remains firmly in the UFC heavyweight title picture, meaning the outcome of Gane vs Hokit could have a major impact on his championship ambitions.
