Undefeated heavyweight title contender Josh Hokit uses extreme sparring methods to prepare for UFC 334 in New York City.
In a bizarre training stunt ahead of UFC 334, heavyweight contender Josh Hokit recently sprayed himself in the face with pepper spray during a sparring session. The unusual preparation method is designed to help him compete with limited vision against champion Ciryl Gane.
The high stakes clash for the 265-pound championship belt takes place later this month in New York City. With Ciryl Gane holding a history of eye pokes in the Octagon, the undefeated challenger decided to simulate fighting through severe eye irritation during his final weeks of camp.
While capsaicin exposure usually wears off within an hour, experts note that such stunts carry risks of hospitalization and permanent injury, according to information published by mmamania.
Josh Hokit Prepares for Ciryl Gane at UFC 334
Josh Hokit earned his title opportunity after securing a dominant victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC White House earlier this June. Bringing an undefeated 10-0 record into the championship bout, the No. 5-ranked contender is leaving nothing to chance regarding potential fouls.
His opponent, Ciryl Gane, enters the matchup with a 14-2 professional record. Gane was recently assigned undisputed heavyweight status following a victory over Alex Pereira at UFC White House, before Tom Aspinall vacated the championship strap.
Controversy Surrounding the Heavyweight Title Match
The road to UFC 334 has not been without backstage drama, as former champion Alex Pereira recently accused Dana White and company of manipulation to book the title fight. Despite the external complaints, the event remains the focal point of the MMA world this month.
As Josh Hokit continues his unorthodox preparation involving capsaicin exposure, fans and analysts remain divided on whether extreme social media stunts provide any genuine athletic advantage inside the cage.
Risks of Capsaicin Exposure in MMA Camps
Using pepper spray just two weeks before the biggest fight of an athlete career introduces massive unnecessary risks. Medical professionals warn that capsaicin can cause severe eye damage and extreme pain that disrupts vital training sessions.
Despite the documented risks of hospitalization following routine exposure, athletes continue pushing boundaries to connect with doom scrolling fans in an era where viral stunts often overshadow traditional training methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Josh Hokit fighting at UFC 334?
Josh Hokit is challenging heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane for the 265-pound strap at UFC 334 in New York City.
Why did Josh Hokit use pepper spray in training?
Josh Hokit sprayed pepper spray in his face during sparring to train for fighting with limited vision, anticipating potential eye pokes from Ciryl Gane.
How did Josh Hokit earn his UFC heavyweight title shot?
Josh Hokit earned his title opportunity by extending his undefeated record to 10-0 with a dominant win over Derrick Lewis at UFC White House.
What controversy surrounds the UFC 334 heavyweight main event?
Alex Pereira accused Dana White and company of manipulation regarding the booking of the heavyweight title fight between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit.
