{
  "id": 7585135,
  "title": "UFC analyst makes compelling case for Josh Hokit title shot: 'No doubt in my mind'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/ufc-analyst-makes-compelling-case-for-josh-hokit-title-shot-no-doubt",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T16:10:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ufc-analyst-makes-compelling-case-161027810.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Daniel Cormier has made a strong argument for Josh Hokit to receive the next opportunity to fight for the UFC heavyweight title. Tom Aspinall, the former titleholder, recently forfeited his championship due to complications arising from an eye injury. Aspinall, who has a record of 15-3 (8-1 UFC), underwent multiple surgeries following a no contest decision in his title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October. Following Gane's victory over Alex Pereira for the interim title at UFC Freedom 250 in June, Aspinall was preparing for a rematch, but a training accident left him medically ineligible to compete.\n\nWith Aspinall out of the picture, Gane is expected to be promoted to undisputed champion. However, the natural question arises: who should Gane face next? Cormier firmly believes that Josh Hokit should be given the opportunity to step up and challenge Gane for the heavyweight title. Cormier acknowledges that Hokit may be seen as annoying or problematic by some, and he has certainly had his fair share of confrontations, including a notable altercation with Alex Pereira at a White House press conference. Despite these incidents, Cormier argues that Hokit's fighting ability, willingness to stand and fight, and the excitement he brings to the ring make him an ideal candidate to face Gane. He emphasizes that Hokit's presence will draw attention to the event, even if it means provoking some fans. With an undefeated record and recent victories over Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, Hokit's star has been on the rise, and Cormier is confident that he deserves a shot at the championship.",
  "summary": "Does it make sense for Josh Hokit to fight Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title after Tom Aspinall vacated?",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}