Dana White admits personal dislike influenced Josh Hokit’s UFC matchmaking

UFC CEO Dana White admitted that personal dislike toward Josh Hokit's microphone comments and character influenced him to give the heavyweight tougher matchups. Speaking to Jim Rome, White stated that he threw "tough guys" at the 28-year-old fighter because he did not like things he said, but acknowledged that Hokit passed every test to earn his upcoming vacant heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 on November 14.

White's frustration reportedly escalated after Hokit made controversial remarks at UFC Freedom 250 and disrupted a previous UFC 327 press conference. To secure his title shot in just his fifth UFC appearance, Hokit earned victories over heavyweight contenders Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis.