Hokit celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
The surprising announcement of the duel between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit with the undisputed heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) at stake as the main event of UFC 334 shocked the MMA world, for better and for worse. In an interview with Canadian reporter Ariel Helwani last Wednesday (23), Volkov surprised everyone by provoking Hokit and showing his dissatisfaction with the UFC's decision to promote him to the number one contender position.
With a rather acerbic sense of humor, the Russian said that the Ultimate's choice would be a charitable gesture on the part of Dana White and the other figures at the head of the organization. Being bold, he even went so far as to mention the American's mental health.
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“I want to be honest with you… I’m very supportive of this fight on the UFC’s part. Josh Hokit , from what I know about him, clearly has been dealing with some kind of mental health issue, so it’s very admirable for the UFC to put a guy with a serious mental condition in a title fight. Of course, he should go ahead of me. Guys with that kind of situation should fight first… That’s the easiest way for an American heavyweight to get a title shot right now. It’s an incredibly inspiring story of a guy with a mental health issue who can fight for the heavyweight title. It’s very supportive on the part of the UFC,” he stated.
Alexander Volkov COOKED Josh Hokit for getting the title shot over him 😭😭
“He has clear mental illness. It's very admirable for UFC to put the guy with a serious mental condition to title shot. It's an incredibly inspiring story.”
(via @arielhelwani ) pic.twitter.com/XfuVK8fytp
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) September 24, 2026
Josh Hokit responded to Alexander Volkov.
Hokit defeated Blaydes in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Always active on social media and ready to exchange taunts, Hokit countered his rival's statement by citing the recent results of both athletes, also alleging the Russian's negative reputation for promoting duels and putting on interesting fights for fans.
“Maybe he should get my ‘mental disorder’ since he lost to the last 2 guys I beat. Has anyone ever watched a Volkov fight to the end? He’s lucky to still be on the roster. They should have cut this boring fighter when they cut Almeida,” he said.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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