JOSH HOKIT RESPONDS TO DANA WHITE CRITICISM BEFORE GANE TITLE FIGHT

Josh Hokit has responded to comments made by UFC CEO Dana White, saying he believes he is "deep down" White's favourite fighter. Hokit made the remarks on Ariel Helwani's show, after Helwani raised White's recent comments during the interview. The unbeaten heavyweight contender is preparing to face Ciryl Gane at Madison Square Garden on 14 November, in a fight described as his chance to become champion. Hokit said he did not join the sport to be liked and would not change his approach to please anyone.

Speaking on the show, Hokit said "the whole world could be against me" and that his priority was delivering good fights once a contract is signed. He said people generally want to be liked and he was no exception, but insisted he would not put on a false persona to please critics. His comments followed remarks White made at the post-fight press conference for UFC 331 in Los Angeles. White said he does not "police" what fighters say and does not need to like a fighter for them to succeed in the promotion. He added that he does not like "anything Josh Hokit says" and does not expect that to change unless Hokit alters his behaviour.

Hokit has remained unbeaten since making his UFC debut last year and has emerged as one of the promotion's biggest stars. White noted that fighters he personally dislikes have performed well in the promotion. At the time of the interview, six weeks remained before the fight against Gane. Neither Hokit nor White signalled any change in their public positions towards one another ahead of the bout.