UFC 334 title fight changed Dana White's entire view of Josh Hokit

At UFC 334, Josh Hokit suffered his first professional defeat, but his performance against heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane altered Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White's perception of the challenger. Gane emerged victorious in the five-round main event at Madison Square Garden in New York, securing a unanimous decision and Fight of the Night honors along with a $100,000 bonus.

Both fighters received commendations for their respective performances. While praising Hokit's relentless pace against Gane, White noted that the champion's unusually agile movements made pressing him a wise strategic choice. White further highlighted Hokit's ability to maintain pressure even as Gane gained the upper hand in the final two rounds.

Initially, White had criticized Hokit's outspoken persona, deeming him a "big-mouth goofball" and disliking his demeanor. However, the challenger's impressive performance during the main event earned White's respect, with White stating, "There's no doubt that Hokit's stock goes up. Even with me." "I thought this guy was a big-mouth goofball and I hated his schtick and the whole thing. I respect the s**t out of that guy [now]." His stock had indeed increased in White's eyes.