The upcoming press conference won’t be the first time Josh Hokit has tried to engage with the heavyweight champion.

Ciryl Gane’s first defense of the undisputed heavyweight crown will headline this Saturday’s UFC 334 event at Madison Square Garden.

After the co-main event sees the legendary Amanda Nunes return from retirement against Kayla Harrison in a clash of former teammates, Gane will be challenged by Hokit in New York City.

The Frenchman will no doubt be expecting plenty of trash talk from ‘The Incredible Hok’ later this week, but it turns out he has already gotten a taste of it in his private messages.

Who leaves UFC 334 as the heavyweight champion? 👑

Josh Hokit DMs predicted Ciryl Gane showdown in three different sports

Hokit has caused a stir with his controversial gimmick ever since earning a UFC contract with his victory on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2025.

The former American footballer has upset many with his actions and remarks, and even White has publicly admitted to not liking Hokit’s approach.

That hasn’t led to a change from the heavyweight contender, meaning fans can expect similar outbursts in New York City this week.

Hokit has already been targeting Gane with his rants online and during interviews. Now, it’s been revealed that he also entered the French champion’s DMs with more than just MMA on his mind.

“He’s messaged me privately before. I’ve never told anyone this,” Gane said during a recent interview with RMC Sport Combat.

“He said, ‘I’d beat you at basketball. I won’t beat you at soccer because soccer is a wimp’s sport. And I’d beat you in MMA too.’

“Then he gets back to his bit. It’s funny,” Gane added.

Gane has shown that he is multi-talented, having played both basketball and soccer during his youth. He ultimately found his way into Muay Thai before transitioning to mixed martial arts.

Hokit, meanwhile, was a talented collegiate wrestler, and it is that skill that many say will be essential to his potential title crowning at MSG on Saturday night.