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Alexander Volkov insists Josh Hokit’s ‘mental illness’ earned him next title shot

UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov shared a unique reaction to Josh Hokit skipping the line for the next title shot.

By Curtis Calhoun · BJ Penn

Published: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 11:09 PM

Key Things to Know

Ciryl Gane will defend the UFC heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden.
The title fight was booked after Tom Aspinall vacated the undisputed heavyweight championship.
Alexander Volkov sarcastically claimed Hokit received the title shot due to dealing with mental illness.

The Story in 60 Seconds

UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov sarcastically reacted to Josh Hokit being selected over him for a title fight against newly promoted undisputed champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 334. Hokit received the Madison Square Garden headliner following Tom Aspinall vacating the belt and Hokit's 2026 victories against Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Volkov mocked UFC matchmaking by asserting Hokit's unusual persona and supposed mental health issues enabled him to skip the division's top contenders. Volkov previously recorded back-to-back wins against Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Jailton Almeida following a loss to Gane.

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Alexander Volkov insists Josh Hokit’s ‘mental illness’ earned him next title shot

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