What happened: Josh Hokit says he wants Ciryl Gane next if Tom Aspinall is not ready to return. Hokit framed the potential matchup as a test of pure athleticism, saying he considers himself the superior all-around athlete and welcomes the challenge.
Why it matters: Hokit, a former two-sport athlete, has been angling for a step up in competition at heavyweight, and naming Gane signals he wants a ranked, name-value opponent rather than another developmental bout. With Aspinall's availability uncertain, calling out a former interim champion positions Hokit for a fast track if the division's top tier opens up.
What to watch: Watch for whether the UFC entertains the matchup or steers Hokit toward another quick turnaround, and for any clarity on Aspinall's timeline.