3 Notable Nuggets Dana White Dropped After UFC 334: Gane vs. Hokit

White praises both heavyweights

Cyril Gane and Kayla Harrison successfully defended their heavyweight and women’s bantamweight titles at Madison Square Garden. White said he scored the main event 4-1 for Gane, but also came away with greater respect for Hokit’s fighting style.

Possible opponent for Gane

The promotion could also wait for Tom Aspinall, whose absence is approaching 13 months. White said Aspinall needs to tell the UFC when he can compete. A rematch with Gane could allow Aspinall to try to regain the title he never lost.

Brooklyn plans ruled out

White rejected the possibility of the UFC returning to Barclays Center in 2027, ending speculation about a Brooklyn event. He pointed to the fallout from the postponed UFC 249 in 2020, which was moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in May.

White recalled telling arena officials, “Don’t do this to me,” referring to the planned Khabib Nurmagomedov-Tony Ferguson lightweight title fight. The UFC has not returned to Barclays Center since, and White described Madison Square Garden as its continuing main New York venue for the annual November event.

Paris event under consideration

With Gane now holding the heavyweight title, White said the UFC would consider taking a numbered event to Paris, France. He added that Gane’s championship status “doesn’t hurt.” White’s remarks raised the prospect of a Paris card, but did not set a date. Gane’s next bout also remains unclear as the promotion weighs its options.