NEW YORK -- In the end, Josh Hokit proved to be more than just a shtick.
The UFC heavyweight championship remained with defending champion Ciryl Gane on Saturday, as he defeated Hokit by unanimous decision at UFC 334 inside Madison Square Garden. All three judges scored the heavyweight bout 48-47 in favor of Gane after a riveting, back-and-forth affair.
It marked the second defense of Gane's belt, including a stoppage over Alex Pereira in June at the White House.
But while Gane maintained the belt, the night might have truly gone to Hokit (10-1). The 29-year-old was a relative unknown in the fight game just one year ago and has built his reputation with controversial -- at times, ugly -- trash talk.
On Saturday, however, he pushed the undisputed best fighter of his division to the brink of defeat. An exhausted Gane had to win the fifth and final round to retain his belt and managed to barely do so.
"I will rejoice in my suffering," Hokit said. "Suffering builds endurance. Endurance builds character. Character builds hope. I will never lose hope. I will be champion one day. You guys can kick me when I'm down, I'll still break your f---ing leg."