# UFC heavyweight championship contention > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-heavyweight-championship-contention > Updated: 2026-09-28T19:30:39.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. The UFC heavyweight championship landscape has shifted following Tom Aspinall vacating the title due to health issues. Ciryl Gane has been recognized as the undisputed champion, despite earlier conflicting statements from UFC leadership regarding the necessity of further fights to solidify his status. As the title fight approaches at UFC 334, tensions have risen between contender Josh Hokit and UFC CEO Dana White. White expressed discomfort with Hokit’s conduct, stating he ‘doesn’t like anything Josh Hokit says’ and noting he would have to ‘deal with’ the fighter’s antics if he wins. Hokit, who earned his shot after victories over Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, dismissed these remarks, claiming, “Deep down, I’m Dana’s favorite fighter; he can’t wait for my fights.” Technical analysis of the upcoming November 14 matchup at Madison Square Garden suggests Hokit must use wrestling and pressure to counter Gane’s technical striking and athleticism. In recent developments, Hokit addressed the friction with White, asserting that he is not in the sport to be liked but rather to provide “good fights.” This response follows allegations from Valter Walker that Hokit is avoiding a verbal confrontation. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: Combat sports: Covington title defense set and UFC updates Combat sports updates include Colby Covington defending his RAF title in Abu Dhabi, Luis Hernandez’s rapid UFC debut win, and Dana White skipping the Joshua vs. Fury press conference in London. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-hokit-responds-to-dana-white-regarding-ufc-title-concerns ### 2026-09-21: Ciryl Gane to defend heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 Michael Bisping analyzes the UFC 334 heavyweight title fight between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit, emphasizing that Hokit must use wrestling and pressure to overcome Gane’s technical striking. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ciryl-gane-to-defend-heavyweight-title-against-josh-hokit-at-ufc-334 --- Cite as: UFC heavyweight championship contention. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ufc-heavyweight-championship-contention