Cormier named the next contender for the UFC title! “This is the fight.”

Tom Aspinall’s loss of his championship belt has completely opened up the race at the top of the UFC heavyweight division. Daniel Cormier believes the organization should seize this moment and back Josh Hokita, who, in his opinion, has everything it takes to fight Ciryl Gane for the undisputed title.

Tom Aspinall has relinquished his championship belt due to ongoing eye problems. The British fighter has been out of competition since his no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, and further health complications have prevented him from returning before the end of the year.

Given this situation, it is becoming increasingly likely that Ciryl Gane will become the undisputed heavyweight champion and make his first title defense later this year.

There is no shortage of candidates to face the Frenchman. Among those mentioned are Alex Pereira, Sergei Pavlovich, and Josh Hokita. The latter has been very vocal in recent hours, demanding his chance.

Daniel Cormier believes the UFC shouldn’t ignore these voices.

Cormier wants to face Hokita in a title fight

The former two-weight-class champion addressed the topic on his YouTube channel and clearly outlined what he believes the next heavyweight title fight should look like.

“Ciryl Gane should defend his heavyweight championship belt against Josh Hokit. That’s the fight,” Cormier said.

Hokit isn’t the highest-ranked fighter in the division, and not everyone is a fan of his media persona. Cormier, however, believes that it is precisely this combination of athletic ability and personality that makes him a very interesting contender.

– I know Josh Hokit gets on some people’s nerves. He’s gone after me, too, and he can be a little… over the top. But if you’re moving forward without Tom Aspinall now, I think Josh Hokit should be part of the next heavyweight title fight. His attitude, his skills, his willingness to engage in a stand-up war, and the way he fights—these are the reasons why he should get a UFC title shot.

According to Cormier, Hokit also has enormous marketing potential. Even fans who don’t like him might want to see if someone can finally stop him.

– He’ll go head-to-head with him because he’s not afraid, and on top of that, he’ll promote the fight…

Cormier also highlighted the American’s achievements in the UFC to date.

“Even with this promotion, he’ll still annoy people, but he’ll draw attention to the event,” Cormier continued. “Josh Hokit attacked Alex Pereira during a press conference at the White House, and since joining the UFC, he’s defeated Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis. He’s undefeated, cocky, confident…” Josh Hokit is the kind of heavyweight contender that, even if you’re only watching to see him lose, you’ll still end up watching.

Cormier has no doubt, then, that the UFC should look beyond just the rankings. Hokit generates excitement, knows how to sell a fight, and—most importantly—remains undefeated. According to a member of the Hall of Fame, a fighter like him could be the perfect opponent for Gane in the first major bout following Aspinall’s departure from the championship throne.