UFC heavyweight title remains vacant after Tom Aspinall steps aside due to ongoing eye complications that prevent him from receiving medical clearance. In response, Josh Hokit quickly publicly argues that he should be next in line and calls for a heavyweight championship fight against Ciryl Gane.
Hokit’s comments also extend to the broader heavyweight picture, including skepticism toward Alex Pereira’s path to the title and support for Hokit’s own position as a contender. Yahoo Sports and Times of India both report that Hokit moves fast to make his case following Aspinall’s decision. Times of India further notes Hokit’s stated preference for staying active as champion and references reaction from UFC commentator Josh Thomson, who signals approval with a brief public endorsement of Hokit’s plan.
Overall, outlets agree on the sequence—Aspinall vacates, then Hokit calls for Gane—and differ mainly in emphasis, such as Hokit’s activity claims and the reaction to his views about other contenders.
