Former two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has come to the defense of Ciryl Gane, insisting that the Frenchman fully merits his status as heavyweight champion despite lingering fan criticism over past match controversies. Gane is scheduled to put his belt on the line against Josh Hokit in the headliner of UFC 334 following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the division’s top title due to severe eye complications.
Miocic Rejects Claims of Intentional Foul Play
Aspinall has remained sidelined since October 2025 after sustaining a major eye injury against Gane at UFC 321, with recent setbacks hindering his timeline for a return. Following that bout, Gane captured the interim belt by defeating Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250, though the contest sparked debate after Gane delivered 11 illegal strikes to the back of Pereira’s head.
Addressing the doubts surrounding Gane’s legitimacy as champion, Miocic expressed his support during an interview with Casino.org, stating that Gane rightfully earned his position.
“I believe he deserves to be champion. He was next up. He fought Tom and then was supposed to fight him again, but then Tom’s injury happened. But I absolutely think so. He was in line, and he was ranked highest. I believe he 100 percent deserves it,” Miocic said.
The former champion also dismissed claims that Gane intentionally injured Aspinall’s eye during their meeting in the Octagon.
“In regard to the eye poke, why would he do that in the fight? I think he was just doing what he was supposed to do, and I think it was an accidental poke. Gane was in the driver’s seat and didn’t need to do anything reckless,” Miocic explained, adding, “He’s been performing at the top, and he’s 100 percent next up to be the man. I believe he deserves it and he’s a tough dude.”
A Pattern of Octagon Incidents
Despite Miocic’s backing, Gane’s career has featured multiple controversial moments inside the cage. Former champion Jon Jones previously accused Gane of engaging in dirty tactics after Gane connected with shots to the back of Tai Tuivasa’s head during UFC Paris in 2022. Additionally, Gane opened his UFC 285 bout against Jones with a low blow and faced backlash for similar strikes to the back of Junior dos Santos’ head in an earlier fight.
Gane now moves forward to defend his heavyweight title against Hokit at UFC 334 with the debates surrounding his championship path still active among fight fans.
