UFC Preview: Hokit vs. Gane and Masvidal's $200K Bet

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UFC Championship Fights, Jorge Masvidal’s $200,000 Bet and Amanda Nunes’ Return

Two UFC championship fights are set for this weekend, including Josh Hokit against Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title. Hokit has drawn attention for his controversial personality, rap video and professional wrestling-style approach to promotion.

Hokit played college football and wrestled at Fresno State before quickly rising through the UFC. He won his first four UFC fights in one year. At 6 feet 1 inch and 230 pounds, he does not cut weight and will face a significant size difference against Gane, who is 6 feet 4 inches and 265 pounds. The key question is whether Hokit’s wrestling can overcome the Frenchman’s long jab.

Retired fighter Jorge Masvidal has added more attention to the bout by betting $200,000 on Hokit. Masvidal said Hokit was a five-to-one underdog and that he could not pass up the opportunity. A win would reportedly earn him $1 million.

When asked what would happen if he lost, Masvidal joked about making a comeback and fighting out of Miami, Florida. The wager also prompted a broader conversation about retired fighters betting on fights, their potential access to information from gyms and camps, and the growing presence of gambling across sports.

The segment also highlighted concerns about betting in Brazilian soccer, where more than 80% of teams were said to be directly sponsored by a betting house. The discussion touched on possible conflicts of interest and the harassment athletes can face when a game does not cover a bet.

The women’s championship fight features the return of former champion Amanda Nunes against Kayla Harrison. Nunes was described as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, as well as a jiu-jitsu master and accomplished boxer who knocked out Ronda Rousey.

Harrison enters the fight after neck surgery for five herniated discs. Although she was identified as the favorite, her recovery adds another major question ahead of the matchup.