MARYLAND SPORTS BLOG | UFC FIGHT NIGHT PREVIEW
UFC 334 Preview: Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit Headlines Championship Doubleheader at Madison Square Garden
By Brian Hradsky
NEW YORK — The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, for UFC 334, an event featuring two championship fights, undefeated contenders, established veterans and several intriguing matchups across 13 scheduled bouts.
Heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane will defend his title against undefeated challenger Josh Hokit in the main event. The co-main event features women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison against former two-division champion Amanda Nunes in one of the most anticipated women’s MMA matchups in recent years.
The event also marks 10 years since the UFC made its historic debut at Madison Square Garden in November 2016. With championship implications in two divisions and several rising contenders looking to make statements, UFC 334 has the ingredients for a memorable night in New York. UFC +1
UFC 334 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Venue
Madison Square Garden
Broadcast
Paramount+
Early prelims
5 p.m. ET
Prelims
7 p.m. ET
Main card
9 p.m. ET
Scheduled fights
13
U.S. viewers can stream the event on Paramount+ without a separate pay-per-view purchase. UFC +1
Main Event: Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit — Heavyweight Championship
CHAMPION
Ciryl Gane
14-2
242.6 pounds at weigh-in
CHALLENGER
Josh Hokit
10-0
231.4 pounds at weigh-in
Gane enters the Octagon with a significant advantage in championship experience. The French heavyweight has already faced some of the division’s most accomplished fighters, including Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. His technical striking, footwork and ability to control distance make him one of the most difficult heavyweights to approach.
The 36-year-old captured the interim heavyweight championship with a knockout victory over Alex Pereira in June 2026. He subsequently became the undisputed champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the title because of injury. Saturday represents Gane’s first defense of the undisputed heavyweight championship. Forbes +1
Hokit, meanwhile, enters with a perfect 10-0 professional record and nine finishes. The American challenger has won four UFC fights since making his promotional debut in 2025, rapidly climbing into the heavyweight championship picture.
His aggression and finishing ability present a different challenge for Gane. Rather than allowing the champion to establish a comfortable striking rhythm, Hokit must close distance, apply pressure and create exchanges that favor his power.
Keys to victory
For Gane: Maintain distance, use his movement to frustrate Hokit and establish a consistent attack with kicks and straight punches. His experience in longer championship fights could become particularly valuable if the contest reaches the fourth and fifth rounds.
For Hokit: Force exchanges early, pressure Gane toward the fence and prevent the champion from dictating the pace. Hokit must balance his aggression with defensive discipline because reckless entries could expose him to Gane’s counterstriking.
MSB prediction: Ciryl Gane by third-round TKO.
Gane’s experience and technical precision give him the advantage, although Hokit’s undefeated record and finishing power make an upset a legitimate possibility.
Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes — Women’s Bantamweight Championship
CHAMPION
Kayla Harrison
19-1
CHALLENGER
Amanda Nunes
23-5
The women’s bantamweight championship fight could arguably generate as much attention as the heavyweight main event.
Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, has developed into one of the sport’s most physically imposing grapplers. Her ability to secure takedowns, establish dominant positions and control opponents has been central to her success.
Nunes returns as one of the most accomplished fighters in women’s mixed martial arts history. The former bantamweight and featherweight champion built her legacy through powerful striking, championship victories and an ability to finish elite opponents.
The matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 324 before Harrison underwent neck surgery, forcing its postponement. Both fighters officially weighed in at 135 pounds Friday, clearing the way for their long-awaited meeting. Sneak Peak +1
Keys to victory
Harrison’s most effective strategy likely involves turning the championship fight into a grappling contest. Her judo background gives her the tools to attack from the clinch, complete takedowns and accumulate control time.
Nunes must establish her striking early and force Harrison to work for every takedown. Her experience against championship-level competition could prove decisive if she can keep the fight standing and consistently punish Harrison’s entries.
The question is whether Nunes can maintain enough defensive wrestling over five rounds to prevent Harrison from controlling long stretches of the contest.
MSB prediction: Kayla Harrison by unanimous decision.
Harrison’s grappling and physical pressure give her a narrow advantage, but Nunes possesses the striking ability and experience to produce one of the night’s biggest moments.
Other Main Card Fights to Watch
Caio Borralho vs. Yousri Belgaroui — Middleweight
Caio Borralho (18-2) faces Yousri Belgaroui (11-3) in an important middleweight matchup.
Borralho brings an experienced, well-rounded approach, while Belgaroui’s striking presents a dangerous challenge. Borralho must mix his attacks and avoid allowing the fight to become a predictable kickboxing contest.
MSB prediction: Borralho by unanimous decision.
Uros Medic vs. Kevin Holland — Welterweight
Uros Medic (14-3) meets Kevin Holland (29-15) in a matchup featuring two dangerous finishers.
Medic’s aggressive striking should test Holland’s defense, while Holland’s reach, versatility and submission skills give him opportunities to change the direction of the contest.
MSB prediction: Holland by second-round submission.
Bilal Hasan vs. Luis Gurule — Flyweight
Undefeated Bilal Hasan (10-0) faces Luis Gurule (11-4) in the main card opener. Hasan enters with considerable momentum and an opportunity to establish himself as a rising name in the flyweight division.
Gurule needs to disrupt Hasan’s rhythm and avoid giving the undefeated prospect an opportunity to dictate the action.
MSB prediction: Hasan by second-round TKO.
Records and matchups verified against UFC and DraftKings’ Nov. 14 fight-card coverage. UFC +1
Stephen Thompson’s Farewell Highlights Preliminary Card
One of the night’s most emotional moments could arrive before the main card when Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson faces Charles Radtke.
Thompson, 43, has announced that UFC 334 will be his final mixed martial arts fight. The former welterweight championship challenger has spent more than a decade entertaining audiences with his distinctive karate-based striking style.
His professional record stands at 17-9-1, and his career includes memorable battles against some of the welterweight division’s most recognizable names. Thompson has cited family priorities and the physical demands of fighting among the reasons behind his retirement decision. ‘My last one’ +1
Radtke, however, will be focused on securing a victory rather than participating in a farewell celebration. Thompson must use his movement, timing and distance management to keep the younger opponent from controlling the exchanges.
MSB prediction: Thompson by unanimous decision in his final UFC appearance.
Complete UFC 334 Fight Card
Main card — 9 p.m. ET
| Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit | Heavyweight title |
|---|---|
| Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes | Bantamweight title |
| Caio Borralho vs. Yousri Belgaroui | Middleweight |
| Uros Medic vs. Kevin Holland | Welterweight |
| Bilal Hasan vs. Luis Gurule | Flyweight |
Prelims — 7 p.m. ET
| Stephen Thompson vs. Charles Radtke | Welterweight |
|---|---|
| Drew Dober vs. Chris Duncan | Lightweight |
| Jim Miller vs. Terrance McKinney | Catchweight |
| Donte Johnson vs. Cesar Almeida | 190-pound catchweight |
Early prelims — 5 p.m. ET
| Jared Gordon vs. Melquizael Costa | Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Macy Chiasson vs. Bia Mesquita | Women’s bantamweight |
| Alatengheili vs. Juan Diaz | Catchweight |
| Evan Elder vs. Samuel Sanches | Lightweight |
Updated lineup based on Friday’s official weigh-ins. UFC
Weigh-In Controversy Adds Drama
Although both championship fights cleared the scales without incident, two preliminary fighters missed weight Friday.
Terrance McKinney weighed 160.2 pounds, exceeding the non-title lightweight limit of 156 pounds by 4.2 pounds. His fight against Jim Miller will proceed at a catchweight, with McKinney forfeiting 30% of his purse.
Juan Diaz also missed the bantamweight limit, weighing 136.4 pounds. His fight against Alatengheili remains scheduled, with Diaz forfeiting 20% of his purse. UFC
These developments add uncertainty to the preliminary card, particularly for Miller, who must now face a heavier opponent.
MSB Take: A Defining Night for Multiple Divisions
UFC 334 offers considerably more than a typical championship doubleheader. Gane must prove he can successfully defend the undisputed heavyweight championship, while Hokit has an opportunity to complete one of the sport’s most rapid rises to a title.
The Harrison-Nunes matchup carries equally significant implications. A Harrison victory would further establish her place atop the women’s bantamweight division, while a Nunes victory would represent a remarkable championship comeback for one of MMA’s greatest competitors.
Beyond the championship fights, Borralho and Belgaroui could influence the middleweight rankings, Medic and Holland offer an intriguing welterweight showdown, and Thompson’s farewell provides an emotional storyline for longtime UFC fans.
The biggest question entering Saturday night is whether the established champions can withstand the challenges of hungry contenders and returning legends. Gane and Harrison appear positioned to retain their belts, but championship fights rarely follow a perfect script.
With Madison Square Garden providing the setting and two titles on the line, UFC 334 has the potential to become one of the defining MMA events of 2026.
Research sources: UFC official weigh-in results · UFC broadcast schedule · Fight records and card analysis
This is a pre-fight article researched for November 14, 2026. Predictions are editorial opinions, not confirmed results.
