Josh Hokit UFC Heavyweight Plan Gets Josh Thomson’s Approval

Josh Hokit’s UFC heavyweight plans have attracted attention after Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight championship following another eye injury. The unexpected title change has created uncertainty at the top of the division, with several major names now potentially in the conversation for the vacant championship.

Hokit, who remains undefeated in his MMA career, has offered his own solution. Rather than waiting for the UFC to determine the next title matchup, he wants to face Ciryl Gane and has also indicated that Alex Pereira could receive a championship opportunity if the former light heavyweight champion wins a heavyweight fight first.

Former UFC star Josh Thomson appeared to strongly approve of the idea. His short reaction, “Take My Money,” showed that he would be interested in seeing Hokit put his plan into action.

The situation has developed quickly following Aspinall’s decision to give up the title. With the heavyweight championship now available, Hokit is attempting to position himself as one of the division’s potential future contenders.

Tom Aspinall vacates the UFC heavyweight title

Tom Aspinall’s reign as UFC heavyweight champion came to an unexpected end after he suffered another injury involving his right eye.

The British heavyweight had not competed since UFC 321, where eye pokes from Ciryl Gane contributed to an injury that prevented the contest from progressing normally. The latest injury setback has now forced Aspinall to relinquish the championship rather than continue holding the belt while unavailable.

Aspinall’s departure immediately changes the landscape of the heavyweight division. The champion had established himself as one of the leading names in the weight class, and his absence leaves the UFC with the difficult task of determining who should compete for the vacant title.

Hokit believes the answer should involve Gane.

Josh Hokit wants Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title

Hokit’s proposal is straightforward. He wants to fight Gane in a matchup that could determine the next heavyweight champion.

The undefeated fighter believes the fans would be interested in seeing the two heavyweights compete, particularly given Gane’s recent involvement in the title picture.

Hokit has also positioned the matchup as an opportunity to settle unfinished business surrounding Aspinall’s reign. Gane’s previous fight with Aspinall ended in controversial circumstances after the eye-poke incident, making another major heavyweight contest involving Gane a natural talking point.

Rather than simply calling for a title shot without conditions, Hokit has also suggested that the UFC could use his potential championship reign to create more active matchmaking at heavyweight.

Hokit promises to be an active champion

One of the most ambitious parts of Hokit’s proposal concerns what he would do if he actually captured the championship.

The undefeated heavyweight has said he intends to become one of the most active champions in the UFC from 2027 onward. That promise is notable because heavyweight champions do not always compete as frequently as fighters in lighter divisions.

Hokit appears to believe that regular title defenses would benefit both the division and its fans. His approach would also give the UFC more opportunities to build contenders around an active champion.

An active heavyweight champion could potentially help the division maintain momentum, especially after the uncertainty surrounding Aspinall’s latest injury.

However, Hokit first has to earn the opportunity to compete for the championship. His proposed route starts with Gane.

Josh Thomson backs Hokit’s idea

Josh Thomson’s reaction suggests that Hokit’s proposal has at least one notable supporter from the UFC’s past.

The former UFC fighter responded with the words “Take My Money,” signaling his enthusiasm for the potential matchup and the wider plan.

Thomson’s reaction does not mean that the UFC has agreed to Hokit’s proposed matchmaking. No official confirmation of such a fight has been provided in the information available here.

Instead, his response highlights how a fresh contender with an aggressive plan can generate interest when the heavyweight division is looking for a new direction.

Why Ciryl Gane is central to the heavyweight picture

Ciryl Gane has become one of the key figures in the division following his victory over Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.

That result made Gane the interim champion and placed him in an important position following the uncertainty surrounding Aspinall.

Gane’s recent history also gives the potential Hokit matchup additional context. His previous encounter with Aspinall was affected by eye pokes, and the issue has remained part of the conversation around the heavyweight championship.

Hokit believes Gane should be next for him, potentially creating a fight with both sporting and storyline significance.

If the UFC were to choose Hokit for a vacant-title fight, it would represent a major opportunity for the undefeated heavyweight. But Gane’s status as interim champion could make the matchmaking decision more complicated.

Alex Pereira wants another chance at heavyweight gold

Alex Pereira is another major name connected to the heavyweight title picture.

The Brazilian has already discussed the possibility of fighting Gane again. Pereira believes a rematch could provide him with a path toward becoming a three-division UFC champion.

However, Hokit does not believe Pereira should immediately receive another championship opportunity.

His position is that Pereira should first compete in the heavyweight division and prove himself at the new weight before being considered for the title. Hokit has effectively offered a condition: if Pereira wins one heavyweight fight, he would be willing to give him a championship opportunity in early 2027 if Hokit himself becomes champion.

That is a different approach from simply dismissing Pereira. Hokit is acknowledging the Brazilian’s star power while arguing that he should first establish himself at heavyweight.

Hokit also questions an Ilia Topuria title shot

Hokit’s criticism is not limited to Pereira. He has also argued that Ilia Topuria should not immediately receive a heavyweight title opportunity.

The undefeated contender believes both Pereira and Topuria should earn their way back toward championship contention after their defeat at UFC Freedom 250.

Hokit’s argument is based on sporting merit. Rather than allowing established stars to move directly into another title opportunity, he wants them to fight their way back into contention like other contenders.

That philosophy could appeal to fans who prefer rankings and recent results to determine championship opportunities. At the same time, UFC matchmaking often considers popularity, commercial value and the broader story surrounding a fight, meaning Hokit’s preferred system may not always match the promotion’s decisions.

Why Hokit wants to avoid instant title shots for former champions

The heavyweight division has several recognizable names, which makes the championship picture especially competitive.

Pereira has already won UFC titles in other divisions and is one of the promotion’s biggest stars. Topuria has also built an impressive reputation and attracted significant attention during his rise.

From Hokit’s perspective, however, established status should not automatically guarantee another title opportunity after a loss.

His proposed model would require major names to return to competition, win at heavyweight and demonstrate that they belong at the top of the division.

That approach could also create more meaningful contender fights. Instead of immediately placing stars into championship contests, the UFC could use their fights to establish a clearer ranking structure.

The heavyweight title picture is now wide open

Aspinall’s decision has created an unusual situation at the top of the division. The champion is no longer holding the belt, while Gane has recently become the interim champion and other major names are campaigning for opportunities.

Hokit is attempting to insert himself into that conversation by presenting a clear route: fight Gane, win the championship and then defend it frequently.

That is an ambitious proposal for an undefeated fighter who is still trying to establish himself at the highest level.

Whether the UFC sees Hokit as ready for such a significant opportunity remains another question. Championship matchmaking ultimately depends on the promotion’s plans, the status of the division and the availability of its leading contenders.

Could Hokit vs Gane happen?

A Hokit-Gane fight would immediately give the heavyweight division a new storyline. Gane would bring championship experience and a high-profile recent victory, while Hokit would enter with the momentum of an undefeated record and a desire to establish himself as a new force.

The matchup would also test whether Hokit can turn his confident public statements into performances against elite opposition.

For Gane, the fight would represent another opportunity to remain at the center of the heavyweight championship picture.

However, the UFC could choose a different route. The promotion may prefer a matchup involving established contenders or a rematch involving Pereira. Until an official announcement is made, Hokit’s proposed fight remains an idea rather than a confirmed booking.

What makes Hokit’s plan different?

Hokit’s approach stands out because he is not only asking for a major fight. He is also presenting a longer-term vision for the division.

He wants to fight Gane, is open to giving Pereira a title opportunity after a heavyweight win and has promised frequent championship defenses if he becomes champion.

That combination makes his proposal more than a standard callout. He is attempting to explain how he would manage the heavyweight title if he gets the opportunity.

The plan also reflects a desire to keep the division moving. Heavyweight contenders can sometimes wait long periods for major fights, especially when champions are recovering from injuries. Hokit believes activity should be a priority.

Josh Thomson’s reaction adds momentum to the idea

Thomson’s enthusiastic response does not change the official UFC situation, but it does show that Hokit’s idea has generated interest outside the fighter’s own camp.

The short reaction was enough to communicate that Thomson would be willing to spend money to watch the proposed scenario unfold.

For Hokit, that kind of response can help amplify his message at a time when the heavyweight division is searching for its next major storyline.

Final Verdict

Josh Hokit has presented one of the more interesting ideas for the UFC heavyweight division following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the championship. The undefeated fighter wants a fight with Ciryl Gane and believes he can build an active title reign if he reaches the top.

He has also made his position clear on Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria. Hokit believes neither should immediately receive another title opportunity after their defeat at UFC Freedom 250 and wants both stars to earn their way back into contention.

Former UFC fighter Josh Thomson appears to like the concept, responding enthusiastically to Hokit’s plans. Still, none of these proposed matchups should be treated as confirmed until the UFC makes an official announcement.

With Aspinall’s title now vacant, Gane’s position as interim champion and several major names looking for opportunities, the heavyweight division has entered a new phase. Whether Hokit becomes part of that future will depend on how the UFC chooses to fill the championship picture.