Daniel Cormier believes the UFC should move quickly to resolve its heavyweight title picture following Tom Aspinall’s decision to vacate the championship.
In a video on his YouTube channel, the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion argued that interim champion Ciryl Gane should be promoted to undisputed champion and immediately defend the belt against Josh Hokit.
“Ciryl Gane should become the UFC heavyweight champion. Ciryl Gane should defend the heavyweight championship against Josh Hokit. That's the fight,” Cormier said.
Cormier acknowledged that Hokit has drawn criticism and has even had personal clashes with him, but he believes the undefeated heavyweight has the combination of fighting ability, personality and willingness to engage that makes him the right choice for the title fight.
“I know that Josh Hokit annoys some. I know that Josh Hokit has come at me. I know that Josh Hokit, he can be a bit much, but I believe that if you're moving on from Tom Aspinall right now, he's walking away from the title, I believe that Josh Hokit should be some part of the next heavyweight title fight,” Cormier said.
The Hall of Famer also pointed to Hokit’s aggressive style and willingness to fight without backing down as major reasons for his support.
“I believe that Josh Hokit's antics, I believe that Josh Hokit's fighting ability, I believe that his willingness to stand and fight the way that he fights, I believe all those reasons are why Josh Hokit should be fighting for the UFC heavyweight championship next.”
Cormier believes Hokit would present Gane with a legitimate challenge because of his fearlessness, while also bringing significant attention to the matchup.
“Against Ciryl Gane he will compete with him because he's not afraid of him. He will sell even if in that selling he is pissing people off. He will bring eyes to the event,” Cormier said.
Hokit’s profile has also grown through his willingness to create headlines outside the Octagon. Cormier referenced Hokit’s confrontation with Alex Pereira at a White House press conference, as well as his victories over established UFC heavyweights Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis.
“Josh Hokit has attacked Alex Pereira at a White House press conference, he's beaten Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis since getting into the UFC. He is undefeated, he's brash, he's cocky,” Cormier said.
For Cormier, those qualities make Hokit exactly the type of fighter the UFC needs at the top of its heavyweight division.
“Josh Hokit is the type of heavyweight contender that even if you show up to hate him you will still show up. I have no doubt in my mind it should be Hokit.”
