{
  "id": 18360539,
  "title": "Dana White admits he may have made Josh Hokit's UFC rise harder",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/dana-white-admits-he-may-have-made-josh-hokits-ufc-rise-harder",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-05T19:49:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dana-white-admits-may-made-194954776.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UFC CEO Dana White has admitted that Josh Hokit's journey to a heavyweight title shot at UFC 334 may have been hindered due to his dislike for some of the unbeaten contender's comments. On \"The Jim Rome Show,\" White acknowledged that Hokit, who is set to face Ciryl Gane in the main event on November 14 at Madison Square Garden, had his path made more difficult because of his remarks. While White recognized that Hokit's performances left no doubt about his worthiness for the shot, he admitted that he overlooked the fighter and may have \"threw some tough guys\" at him instead. Hokit, who has won three fights in 2026, including victories over Denzel Freeman, Curtis Blaydes, and Derrick Lewis, has been a standout contender. Despite potential disagreements over his comments, White maintains that Hokit deserves the title shot and will soon face Gane in a highly anticipated matchup.",
  "summary": "Dana White says he may have made Josh Hokit’s path to an Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight title shot more difficult because he disliked some of the unbeaten contender’s comments.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dana White admits Josh Hokit's rise may have been hindered by his comments.",
    "Hokit set to face Ciryl Gane in UFC 334 main event on November 14.",
    "White maintains Hokit deserves title shot despite potential disagreements."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}